Category: Public Info

As Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) approaches this weekend on Sunday, March 31st, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders declares support of this important day and recognizes that TDOV is about more than visibility—it’s an opportunity for all to be an ally.

TDOV is a day dedicated to celebrate transgender and gender nonconforming individuals and the courage it takes to live openly and authentically, while also raising awareness around the discrimination transgender people still face in today’s society.

“At a time when quality of life for members of the transgender community is constantly under attack by the current administration in Washington – with obstinate and direct attacks on transgender members of the military – TDOV reminds us that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders calls on the people of our county to embrace this principle and work to eliminate prejudice and injustice where it exists.”

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders stand in support of all transgender people, and condemns attempts to stigmatize and marginalize them. The Freeholders believe transgender individuals have the right to a full quality of life as respected members of our families, communities, and work force.

“The Freeholder Board is proud to support and partner with organizations, community groups and other government and nongovernment agencies to advance programs and services that impact the quality of life for members of the LGBTQ community,” said Freeholder Rebecca Williams, liaison to the Freeholder LGBTQ Ad Hoc Committee.

Parents, educators and community members are invited to attend a free educational presentation, “What Parents Need to Know about Transgender Individuals” being held at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23 at the John H. Stamler Police Academy on the Union County Vo-Tech Campus, 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.

Presented by Dr. Paula C. Rodriguez Rust of Spectrum Diversity, LLC, the purpose of the presentation is to help parents, educators and other adults better understand gender identity and transgender issues, and to provide tips on how to speak with children and adolescents about these sensitive topics, as well as addressing any questions or concerns any attendee may have.

The program, free and open to the public is hosted by the Union County Human Rights Commission (a commission under the Union County Prosecutor’s Office) and co-sponsored by the Office of the Union County Superintendent of Schools and the Union County Office of LGBTQ Affairs.

The Office of LGBTQ Affairs, under the Department of Economic Development, was established by the Freeholder Board in 2018 and is the first and only county government office of its kind in the State of New Jersey and offers a platform for leadership and collaboration to support equality, and serves as a catalyst for advocacy, awareness and action on current and emerging issues that impact the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals. For more information about the Office of LGBTQ Affairs, contact Danni Newbury, Coordinator, at 908-527-4742 or dnewbury@ucnj.org or visit ucnj.org/LGBTQ.

Union County Freeholders Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded and Sergio Granados present a resolution to members of the Westfield High School’s Model United Nations Club congratulating them on being awarded the Outstanding Delegation Award at the annual the YMCA Model UN Program conference held in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

The YMCA Model UN Program (Y-MUN) is a unique Model UN experience that serves more than 2,000 young people annually across the Mid-Atlantic States.

The conference provides an unprecedented simulation of the UN that highlights the themes of collaboration, cultural understanding and problem solving that are at the core of the organization’s real-life goals

The convention helps students develop their debate skills and find their voice, but in a one-of-a-kind conference that brings together servant leadership, public speaking and global problem solving rather than a singular emphasis on debate. Approximately 2,000 students from 80 Mid-Atlantic schools attended the conference this year

The Westfield High School Model UN program is run in conjunction with the Westfield Area YMCA.

(Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Freeholders Rebecca Williams and Andrea Staten present a resolution to Shalonda Archibald congratulating her on being named the 2019 Literacy Teacher of the Year by the New Jersey Literacy Association. Ms. Archibald has been a dedicated educator in the Plainfield Public School system for 6 years. She currently teaches at Maxson Middle School as an ELA RTI teacher and a Literacy Coach. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Elections encourages voters to attend a series of hands-on public demonstrations for Union County’s new ExpressVote XL voting machines this spring.

“The Union County Board of Elections is undertaking an aggressive outreach campaign to ensure our voters are educated on how to use the new machine prior to Election Day,” said Board of Elections Administrator Nicole DiRado. “We anticipate adding more preview demonstrations as Election Day comes closer, so please visit our website for the most up to date schedule.”

Voters in Westfield and eight other municipalities will use the new machines starting with the Primary Election on June 4, and the remaining 12 municipalities will use them starting with the General Election in November.

The purchase of the new machines was approved by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders last October. The Board of Elections introduced them on a pilot basis in Westfield during the General Election in November.

“The demonstration sessions are a good opportunity for voters, and the general public, to learn about new technology that helps ensure the integrity of our elections,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski.

No pre-registration is necessary to attend a demonstration session. All public demonstration sessions are open to all County residents on a walk-in basis, including non-voters as well as registered voters.

Board of Election staff will be on site at each location to offer guidance on using the new machines. They are also available to assist with voter registration and poll worker applications.

For schedule updates and a video demonstration of the new machines, visit the Board of Elections online at ucnj.org/board-of-elections.

“Our staff is also available to bring the new machines to community groups and civic organizations on request,” Ms. DiRado added. “Please contact my office to schedule a visit.”

Weekly public demonstrations are open to all County residents every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Colleen Fraser Building in the Union County Complex at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield.

Weekly demonstrations for all County residents are also available every Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on the first floor of the Union County Court House, at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth.

One-day sessions are available to all County residents during the following dates and times at these locations:

• April 5 – 1:00pm – 5:00pm, Mountainside Library, 1 Constitution Plaza
• April 8 – 3:00pm – 7:30pm, Union Township Public Library, 1980Morris Avenue
• April 11 – 3:00pm – 5:00pm, Summit City Hall, 512 Springfield Avenue (takes place during Summit Government Day)
• April 13 – 10:00am – 1:00pm, Garwood Municipal Hall, Council Chambers, 403 South Avenue
• April 15 – 3:00pm – 7:30pm, Kenilworth Public Library, 548 Boulevard
• April 22 – 3:00pm – 7:30pm Union Twp. Public Library, Vauxhall Branch, 123 Hilton Avenue
• April 23 – 1:00pm – 8:00pm Mountainside Municipal Building, 1385 Route 22E
• April 25 – 4:00pm – 7:30pm, Garwood Public Library, 411 Third Avenue
• April 26 – 9:30am – 4:30pm, Fanwood Public Library, 5 Forest Road
• April 27 – 9:00am – 5:00pm, Berkeley Heights Public Library, 110 Roosevelt Avenue
• April 28 –11:00am – 5:00pm, Trailside Nature and Science Center, 452 New Providence Road, Mountainside (takes place during the Wild Earth Festival and Touch a Truck events)
• May 1 – 4:30pm – 7:30pm, Liberty Hall center, 1085 Morris Ave., Union Township (takes place during Union County Cultural & Heritage Affairs Reception)
• May 4 – 10:00am – 1:00pm, Garwood Municipal Hall, Council Chambers, 403 South Avenue, Garwood
• May 6 – 9:30pm – 4:30pm, Fanwood Public Library, 5 Forest Road
• May 6 – 3:00pm – 7:30pm, Kenilworth Public Library, 548 Boulevard
• May 9 – 12:00pm -8:00pm, Berkeley Heights Public Library, 110 Roosevelt Avenue
• May 13 – 3:00pm – 7:30pm, Union Township Public Library, Vauxhall Branch, 123 Hilton Avenue
• May 14 – 3:00pm – 7:00pm, Union Township Municipal Building – 1976 Morris Avenue
• May 16 – 3:00pm – 7:30pm, Mountainside Public Library, 1 Constitution Plaza
• May 22 – 3:00pm – 7:00pm, Union Township Municipal Building, 1976 Morris Avenue
• May 23 – 12:00pm – 8:00pm, Berkeley Heights Public Library, 110 Roosevelt Avenue
• May 24 – 9:00am – 4:00pm, Garwood Public Library, 411 Third Avenue
• June 1 – 12:00pm – 7:00pm Cedar Brook Park, Plainfield (takes place during Union County Rhythm & Blues by the Brook music festival)

The new ExpressVote XL voting machines will be rolled out in two stages for the Primary and General elections.

Voters in Berkeley Heights, Elizabeth, Fanwood, Garwood, Kenilworth, Mountainside, Union and Winfield will use the new machines for the 2019 Primary Election on June 4. Westfield will continue to use the new voting machines, following the successful pilot program last year.

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 2019 General Election in November.

“The ExpressVote XL machines are the first new voting machines used by Union County voters in twenty years,” said Ms. DiRado. “They represent a significant investment in the election infrastructure of Union County, providing voters with ease of use and visual confirmation that their vote is recorded properly.”

The ExpressVote XL machines combine a touch screen ballot marking device with a voter verified paper audit trail, allowing the voter to review their voting choices to ensure their vote is accurately recorded.

The voter verified audit trail also provides a paper record of the election which can be used for recounts and will be used for audits.

For additional information, or to schedule a demonstration for civic organizations and community groups, visit the Board of Elections online at ucnj.org/board-of-elections or call 908-527-4123.

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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 that the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs will conduct a free history grant writing workshop on Wednesday, April 17 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Reeves-Reed Arboretum, located at 165 Hobart Avenue in Summit. All Union County based nonprofit organizations and other civic organizations are invited to attend.

Attendees will learn how to apply for two types of history grants through the FY 2020 Union County History Re-grant Program, funded by the New Jersey Historical Commission. The grant application forms will also be available.

“Whether you are an experienced grant writer or a beginner, the workshop will provide the fundamentals of grant writing and help you focus on strategies for success,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski.

Each of the two grant programs includes general standards for eligibility as well as specific requirements:

1. General Operating Support (GOS) grants provide assistance for the basic costs of operation such as programming, preservation of collections, salaries, marketing, and more. Funding is available to Union County based historical societies, house museums or historic sites only. The maximum GOS grant request is $5,000.
2. Special Project (SP) grants supports history organizations, museums, schools, libraries and similar organizations with collections or programming relating to Union County and New Jersey state history. The maximum grant request is $3,500.

To confirm attendance at the April 17th workshop and to receive more information, contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at (908) 436-2912 or e-mail jprescott@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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Union County, NJ – Union County residents and visitors are invited to attend a free screening of the documentary Home is a Human Right: 6 Stories of Immigration on Tuesday April 23 at 7:00 p.m., at the North Avenue Academic Building of Kean University, 1075 Morris Avenue in Union Township. The free event is presented by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders through the Office of Community Engagement and Diversity in partnership with the YWCA of Union County through its Stand Against Racism campaign (https://standagainstracism.org/).

Agencies that offer services in support of undocumented refugees and immigrants will also be on-site before and after the screening to offer resources and guidance.

“Home is a Human Right focuses a sharp lens on the threats that refugees and immigrants face in their home countries and here in the U.S.,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “It also provides informed, effective guidance for people who want to take action in support of human rights and protection for undocumented neighbors in our community.”

Home is a Human Right is seeks to highlight the human story of immigrants pursuing better lives in the middle of conflict by exploring the growing complexities of immigration in the United States. The series touches upon topics like DACA, refugees, sanctuary cities, medical care for undocumented immigrants and the plight of immigrant students. Details on the 6 short films can be found at https://www.bravenewfilms.org/home_is_human.

Stand Against Racism is a signature campaign of YWCA USA to build community among those who work for racial justice and raise awareness about the negative impact of institutional and structural racism in America. The screening of Home is a Human Right supports the 2019 Stand Against Racism campaign theme, “Immigrant Justice: No Hate. No Fear.”

The movie screening will be followed by two speakers and a discussion. The featured speakers are:

• Victor Salama – Executive Director of First Friends of NJ & NY
• Sara Cullinane, Esq. – State Director of Make the Road NJ

The event is co-sponsored by Community Access Unlimited, Union County Interfaith Coordinating Council, Family Promise Union County, The Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeless, and St. Joseph Social Service Center

For more information or to RSVP, please contact Nathalie Hernandez, Coordinator, Union County Office of Community Engagement & Diversity by email at nahernandez@ucnj.org or by phone at 908-527-4880.

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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.Stand Against Racism 2019 Flyer

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce Union County PRIDE 2019, scheduled for Saturday, June 15, 2019 from 12:00 noon until 5:00 p.m. at Rahway River Park in Rahway. Admission is free to this inclusive and affirming celebration of family, equality, diversity and empowering acceptance.

All are welcome to pack a picnic, a blanket or lawn chairs and head out to the park for an afternoon of fun.

“Union County PRIDE brings families in the diverse LGBTQ community together with all families who value inclusion and acceptance,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “This annual celebration is our signature event for demonstrating that our community is one of equal rights and respect for all families.”

Union County PRIDE 2019 will include a full schedule of entertainment and activities including PRIDE-themed arts and crafts, family lawn games, inflatable bounce houses, playground fun, and many other family activities.

An Equality Rally featuring New Jersey’s own Drag Queen Harmonica Sunbeam as emcee will kick off at 2:30 p.m. with special guest speakers and performances.

Throughout the event, LGBTQ advocacy and ally organizations will be on site with information and educational materials, as well as support and networking resources.

“Pride events make a difference,” said Freeholder Rebecca Williams, liaison to the Union County LGBTQ Ad Hoc Committee. “In addition to celebrating diversity, they raise awareness of existing inequalities and provide a platform to support legislation and civic action. I am very proud of my colleagues on the Freeholder Board for inaugurating Union County’s first PRIDE event in 2017, and continuing to support it every year.”

Union County PRIDE 2019 is organized by Union County’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs and the Department of Parks and Recreation.

The Office of LGBTQ Affairs, under the Department of Economic Development, was established by the Freeholder Board in 2018 and is the first and only county government office of its kind in the State of New Jersey and offers a platform for leadership and collaboration to support equality, and serves as a catalyst for advocacy, awareness and action on current and emerging issues that impact the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals.

For more information about the Office of LGBTQ Affairs, contact Danni Newbury, Coordinator, at 908-527-4742 or dnewbury@ucnj.org or visit ucnj.org/LGBTQ.

For more information about Union County PRIDE 2019 visit ucnj.org/Pride, or find the Union County PRIDE 2019 event page at Facebook.com/CountyOfUnion, or call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 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 Clerk Joanne Rajoppi reminds candidates for elected office to be aware of upcoming petition deadlines and filing procedures.

“For the June 4 primary, the Democratic and Republican candidates for countywide office — Freeholder and Surrogate — must file their petitions with my office by 4:00 p.m. on April 1,” said Ms. Rajoppi.

Democratic and Republican candidates for municipal office, and candidates for the Democratic County Committee, must file their petitions with their municipal clerk. That deadline is also April 1 at 4:00 p.m.

Independent candidates for countywide and municipal offices must file their petitions with the Union County Clerk. The deadline for Independent petitions is 4:00 p.m. on Primary Day, June 4.

The County Clerk’s 2019 Election Date Guide that lists all candidate deadlines is available on the website unioncountyvotes.com and on the free UC Votes mobile app for iPhone and Androids.

For more information about all County Clerk programs and services, visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.

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Union County, NJ – A new hydroponic garden funded by Union County has been brightening up the winter months at the Richmond Terrace senior housing apartments in Plainfield. The new garden was funded through the Freeholder Board’s Union County Means Green community garden grant program.

“The hydroponic garden brings the residents of Richmond Tower together and engages them with indoor activities during a time of year when getting outside can be difficult,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “It is very gratifying to see the Union County Means Green grant program continue to produce fresh vegetables and contribute to the community throughout the year.”

The Freeholder Board launched the Union County Means Green grant program in 2016, to help more residents experience the benefits of growing fresh produce. In addition to improved nutrition, vegetable gardening provides opportunities for social activities, recreation, education and community service.

Union County Means Green provides funds for traditional soil-based gardens, including waist-high beds that accommodate wheelchairs and walkers. The grant program also covers hydroponic gardens and other innovative approaches to urban gardening.

Members of the Richmond Towers Garden Club tend the hydroponic garden. They will harvest the new crop of Tuscan kale and Butterhead lettuce, and distribute it to other residents.

During the outdoor growing season, the Garden Club also donates vegetables from several raised bed garden plots on the grounds of the housing complex.

Any Union County municipality or local nonprofit organization is welcome to apply for a UC Means Green grant. Applications are still open for the 2019 Union County Means Green grant cycle. The deadline is Tuesday, April 2 at 5:00 p.m.

For more details and a downloadable application form, visit Union County at ucnj.org/ garden-grants.

Union County Means Green is administered on behalf of the Freeholder Board by the nonprofit organization Groundwork Elizabeth. For more information contact Groundwork at 908-289-0262 or info@groundworkelizabeth.org.

For quick links to all Union County environmental programs visit The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.

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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 invite all residents of Union County, age 60 or older, to register for the Union County Senior Citizens Art Exhibit. Qualifying works of art will be on display at the Atrium of Liberty Hall Center at 1085 Morris Avenue in Union from May 28 to July 8, and the artists will be guests at a special awards reception at the Atrium in June.

The deadline to register is Wednesday, May 15.

“Each year the Senior Art Exhibit provides older residents with an opportunity to share their view of the world through the work of their hands,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “We are proud to support this program, which helps to connect the different generations in our community and build an appreciation for the skills and insights of senior artists.”

The Senior Art Exhibit is an annual program presented and coordinated by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs. Artists at any level of skill or experience are invited to register, including amateurs, non-professionals and working professionals. To qualify, the artwork must have been created within the past three years and must be an original creation of the artist.

Registrants can submit art in a variety of categories: acrylic painting, oil painting, watercolor, pastel, works on paper (drawing), photography, digital art (excluding digital photography), mixed media, printmaking, sculpture, and craft.

All artworks entered will be judged by a panel of professional artists. In each art category, separate awards will be given to professionals and non-professionals. First-place winners in all categories will go on to compete in September at the state level in the New Jersey Senior Citizens Art Show in East Windsor.

For complete information and online registration, visit the Union County website at ucnj.org/senior-art-show.

To receive a brochure with complete instructions and a registration form by mail or email, call Martha Sturm, Senior Arts Coordinator, at the Union County Office of Cultural and HeritagFe Affairs, 908-558-2552, or email culturalinfo@ucnj.org. Relay users dial 711.

Completed applications may be mailed to Senior Art Exhibit, Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202, faxed to 908-558-2652, or scanned and emailed to msturm@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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Photo caption: Precious by senior artist Florence McGlohn of Roselle was awarded Best of Show by a Non-Professional at the 2018 Union County Senior Art Exhibit.