Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ – For more than 30 years, Union County residents have gained personal growth through community service as volunteers with the Union County Rape Crisis Center. New volunteers are welcome to join now and receive a free training course that qualifies them to serve with the Rape Crisis Center as confidential advocates for victims of sexual violence.

The Rape Crisis Center began in 1984 as a volunteer program run by the Union County Department of Human Services. Its offices are located at the Colleen Fraser Building at the Union County complex in Westfield, at 300 North Avenue East.

“The Rape Crisis Center helps victims of sexual violence manage a life-changing crisis and restore their sense of empowerment and human dignity,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “By providing this support, our volunteers also find new reservoirs of strength within themselves. It is a program that gives back to the whole community.”

RCC volunteers are often the only peer support available to victims of sexual violence, many of whom cannot turn to family or friends for help.

Using mobile phones, the volunteers run a 24/7 hotline to provide callers with guidance on navigating the medical, legal and emotional aftermath of sexual violence.

Volunteers may also provide in-person support. For example, they may accompany victims to a medical procedure or court appearance.

All RCC volunteers receive a training course that qualifies them as certified Confidential Advocates.

No previous experience in counseling is required. Professional RCC staff and seasoned volunteers provide ongoing support and mentorship for new volunteers.

Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, Union County residents, and have their own car.

To inquire about the next training course, call the Rape Crisis Center hotline, 908-233-7273. 

Additional information on the volunteer experience is available at the Rape Crisis Center blog, unioncountyrapecrisiscenter.blogspot.

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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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Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites County residents to the opening of the Warinanco Dog Park on Saturday December 8^th at 1:00 pm. The new dog park is located behind the Warinanco Sports Center located at 1 Park Drive in Warinanco Park, Roselle. The opening is free for county residents along with their dogs to attend.

“This new dog park in the eastern end of the County will complement the existing dog park in western Union County,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “The Freeholder Board is proud to provide this more local option for dog lovers and owners. As a dog lover myself, I am personally excited to see the county continue to flourish and offer residents diverse resources to accommodate their dogs, which like them, are part of Union County.”

The Warinanco Dog Park is a newly constructed public facility. It features separate large and small dog areas. Each area is equipped with agility equipment, dog-waste stations, pet-friendly water fountains and seating for dog owners.  The Warinanco Dog Park will operate on the same schedule as all Union County parks, with access available year-round from dawn to dusk on a daily basis.

 “When Freeholder Sergio Granados became Chairman, I asked to meet with him in January to discuss the option on building a dog park in my hometown,” said Ruby Contreras from the Elizabeth Public Information Office. “We then decided that Warinanco Park was the perfect location as it allows other dog owners from the surrounding towns to come together as well. As a dog mom, I am proud to say that I helped make this happen not only for dogs, but for dog parents everywhere.”

The ribbon-cutting will happen rain or shine. In the event of rain, the ribbon cutting will be held outdoors and remaining activities will be hosted inside of Warinanco Sports Center. The event will include dog treats, dog vendor booths and more.

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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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Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce the opening of a new skate park at Union County’s Mattano Park at 360-484 5th Avenue in the southern corner of Elizabeth.

“The new skate park demonstrates Union County’s commitment to expand its recreational resources and enable more County residents to enjoy the community experience of healthy outdoor activities in a public park,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “This is a great addition to a park that includes turf field, inclusive playground, picnic areas and exercise stations among other features.”

The new skate park is the latest in a recent series of upgrades in Mattano, including new turf athletic fields, a new sprinkler playground, and the County’s first playground created for children with special needs.

“Mattano is truly a people’s park, with something for everyone from all walks of life,” said Freeholder Vice Chairman Bette Jane Kowalski, who chairs the Freeholder Board’s Parks, Public Works and Facilities Committee. “We have had a wonderful experience with our first skate park in Clark, and we are looking forward to seeing how Union County’s skateboard enthusiasts respond to this new opportunity for honing their skills.”

The Union County parks system encompasses 36 distinct parks offering a wide range of activities including golfing, hiking, swimming, boating, horseback riding, educational programs and much more in addition to many playgrounds, athletic fields and picnic areas.

For more information about activities and programs in Union County parks, visit online at ucnj.org/parks, email parkrequest@ucnj.org or call the Reservation Desk, 908-527-4900.

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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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Union County, NJ — Union County residents and visitors are invited to explore the concept of untold histories and participate in a discussion hosted by Dr. Mary Rizzo of Rutgers University on Tuesday, November 13 at 7:00 p.m. at Union County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center, located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside.

Dr. Rizzo is the creator of the public humanities Master of Arts track in the Graduate Program in American Studies at the Rutgers University School of Arts and Sciences. The program prepares students for leadership positions in public history and humanities organizations.

“Historical sites are enriched by a more inclusive and diversified accounting of the people, times, and events associated with them,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “It is very exciting to have Dr. Mary Rizzo share her knowledge and insights on building trust with underrepresented communities and bringing their stories to the public.”

Good Intentions Are Not Enough: Telling Untold Histories at Your Site is open to all Union County residents and visitors. Students, educators, librarians and members of local historical societies are especially encouraged to attend.

Using real-world examples, Dr. Rizzo will show how historical and cultural organizations are helping to diversify the history presented to the public.

Dr. Rizzo will also draw on her academic research and her work as founder and chair of the Telling Untold Histories Conference, to address the challenges and ethical considerations involved in developing relationships with community members.

Attendance is free of charge but pre-registration is required. To pre-register online visit the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at ucnj.org/parks.

For more information about the event contact John Prescott at the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, 908-436-2912 or jprescott@ucnj.org.

This program is funded in part by the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State.

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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Union County, NJ – A favorite Union County tradition returns this year with the annual Holiday Sound and Light Show hosted by The Model Railroad Club.

The centerpiece of this festive extravaganza is the club’s sprawling, meticulously detailed HO scale layout at the A. Paul Mallery Model Railroad Center, located in a mixed-use area of Union County’s Lenape Park off Route 22 East in Union Township.

“The Holiday Sound and Light Show is a wonderful opportunity for Union County residents and families to create holiday memories to enjoy, treasure, and pass along to the next generation,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “The Railroad Center is a unique community resource that testifies to the dedication, skill and creativity of model railroad fans, and they pull out all the stops for this annual event.”

This year, the Holiday Sound and Light show begins on Friday, November 23rd from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Shows will continue from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Fridays, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturdays, and from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sundays until December 9. The last show of each evening starts approximately 30 minutes before closing.

“The show is designed to capture the imagination with a ‘you are there’ feel, and the layout itself is a decades-long labor of love at the heart of our mission,” said Railroad Club President Tim McCollum.

Attendees can stay as long as they like to enjoy more than one show, view an elaborate N-scale layout and other displays at the Railroad Center, purchase refreshments at the snack bar, and stock up on train-themed holiday gifts at the gift shoppe.

For the convenience of attendees with babies and small children, a play and rest area is also located on the site.

The Model Railroad Club is dedicated to preserving and sharing the art of model railroads while providing the public with a fascinating window on the history of the New Jersey-Pennsylvania rail corridor.

The Railroad Center is open to the public every Saturday during the year. Each fall for the holiday shows, the layout is transformed into a living theatre complete with sound and lighting effects and professional narration.

Tickets are available both online and in person. Visit themodelrailroadclub.org/advance-show-tickets online to order advance tickets at the discounted rate of $9.00 for youths and adults age 12 to 59, $7.00 for seniors age 60 and up, and $4.00 for children age 3-11. Children under age 3 are free.

Online sales continue from now until the series ends on December 9, but the online discount rate is only available until November 18. After that, prices increase by $1.00 for each age group. 

Attendees can also purchase tickets in person, by visiting the ticket window at the Railroad Center. The Railroad Center ticket window is open during regular Saturday public hours between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. on November 3, 10, and 17. It is also open during the scheduled hours of the Sound and Light Show beginning at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, November 23 and ending on December 9.

For tickets bought in person on the day of attendance, the regular rate applies. Tickets bought in person for a future date are offered at the discounted rate.

The Model Railroad Club, Inc. is a non-profit organization that built and runs the Railroad Center through an arrangement with the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. Work on the HO display began 40 years ago with the construction of the Railroad Center in Lenape Park, and it has been enhanced and expanded since then. Work on a major expansion is under way, practically doubling the size of the original exhibit.

The Model Railroad Club has been a part of Union County since its founding in 1949 by Master Model Railroader Paul Mallery. Today, it is one of the largest model railroad clubs in the region.

New members are always welcome to join the Model Railroad Club. Current members are on site during visiting hours and are happy to provide information about Club activities. Prospective members can also request information on joining by email, at info@tmrci.org.

All proceeds from the Holiday Sound and Light Show go towards funding the Railroad Club’s activities.

Directions: The A. Paul Mallery Center is conveniently situated in a mixed-use area of Union County’s Lenape Park, off Route 22 East in Union Township, behind the Home Depot at 930 South Springfield Road. Enter the Home Depot parking lot from Route 22 East or from South Springfield Road, and go to the far (west) end where the Home Depot garden center is located. Follow a small sign to find the service road behind the garden center. The Mallery Center is at the end of the road.

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Photo credits: All photos courtesy of The Model Railroad Club, Inc.

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.