Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ- The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to present artwork from the Art from the HEART fine arts program on display at the Freeholders Gallery now until February 14. The public is invited to visit the Freeholders Gallery any time during regular business hours weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on the 6^th floor of the Union County Administration Building, located at 10 Elizabethtown Plaza in Elizabeth.

“The Art from the HEART program is an opportunity for seniors to express themselves creatively and freely, and the exhibit provides members of the public with a window into a unique and colorful world,” said Freeholder Chair Betty Jane Kowalski.

The Exhibition is a partnership between the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey and SAGE Eldercare, in Summit. “Art from the HEART” is celebrating its 18^th year, led by art therapist Janice Patrignani, the program encourages self-expression, increases self-esteem, and helps keep participants’ minds sharp.

The Art from the HEART exhibition is made possible in part by the 2018 HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant from the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. Additional funding is provided by individual donors.

The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey is the state’s largest institution dedicated exclusively to viewing, making and learning about contemporary art, comprising a renowned studio art school and a thriving education, exhibition and programming schedule.

Its service mission includes a commitment to creating access to the arts for a range of constituents, from at-risk children and youth to people with special needs to senior adults. To learn more about Art Center programs, visit artcenternj.org or call 908-273-9121.

SAGE Eldercare supports the independence, well-being and quality of life of older adults, their families and caregivers, through the provision of client-centered health, social and support services. SAGE is proud to offer a wide range of programs and services that support seniors in the challenges they face during the later stages of life. For more information, visit sageeldercare.org or call 908-273-5550.

The Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, part of the Department of Parks and Recreation, coordinates the exhibits displayed at the Freeholders Gallery.

For further information about this and other programs and services related to the arts and history in Union County, visit online at ucnj.org/cultural or contact the Office at 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202, telephone (908) 558-2550, or e-mail culturalinfo@ucnj.org. NJ relay users dial 711.

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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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Award ceremony precedes theatrical performance of Ain’t Misbehavin’

Union County, NJ – On Saturday, February 9, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders will recognize lifelong Linden resident Monty Brooks with the seventh annual Chester Holmes Humanitarian Award during the County’s Black History Month celebration at the historic Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway.

The event begins at 7:00 p.m. and features a free concert version of the iconic American musical, Ain’t Misbehavin’.

“Mr. Brooks defines humanitarian by devoting his life’s work to students and families, guiding them through hard times and encouraging them to achieve their best. He provides an outstanding example of the great difference that one person can make in our community,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski.

“Throughout the years, Mr. Brooks has touched hundreds if not thousands of lives with messages of hope, hard work, and perseverance,” said Freeholder Rebecca Williams. “As an educator, I appreciate all that he has done to prepare the young people in our community for life as adults.”

“The saying that ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ is one that perfectly fits Mr. Brooks and his work with our students and their families. He provides a wonderful role model for all of us,” said Freeholder Andrea Staten.

“Both in his profession and in his volunteer service, Mr. Brooks exemplifies a holistic approach to building a strong, sustainable community,” said Freeholder Angela Garretson. “He is a role model who embodies the heart and soul of public service.”

“Monty Brooks is an inspirational public servant whose outstanding contributions throughout his career and work as a Councilman has made a profound difference in the lives of so many residents—and especially those in our City of Linden,” said Freeholder Christopher Hudak, a resident of Linden. “We congratulate him on this honor.”

As a social worker who has served in the Linden Board of Education for 25 years, Mr. Brooks has assisted students and parents in crisis, including counseling students who may suffer from low self-esteem, suicidal tendencies, bullying, and substance abuse. He is a former Fourth Ward Councilman for the City of Linden, among his other affiliations.

A former football, basketball and track athlete at Linden High School, Mr. Brooks previously coached football and basketball teams at the high school, and is currently the track coach.  He has mentored many state powerhouse teams and successful student-athletes, including some who have gone on to professional or successful amateur sports careers. Mr. Brooks currently coaches Kyle Lipscomb, currently the number-one ranked shot put thrower and the number-two ranked discus thrower in the state of New Jersey.

Mr. Brooks is a NCAA Eligibility Center Specialist at Linden High School, one of the few at the high school level. He ensures that the school’s student athletes and parents are fully aware of all NCAA eligibility guidelines and requirements as it relates to potential Division 1/ Division 2 athletic scholarships.

A graduate of Seton Hall University, Mr. Brooks continued to work at the university after his graduation for the Educational Opportunities Program, having held the positions of Academic Course Advisor, Resident Assistant, Adjunct professor in the E.O.P Program, Assistant Financial Aid Officer/Admissions Officer and Acting Financial Aid Officer for the E.O.P program. He was also employed as the Head Counselor for the Upward Bound Program at Seton Hall.

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. Brooks is the first resident of Linden to receive the award.

Ain’t Misbehavin’ is presented through the combined sponsorship of the County of Union, City of Rahway, and the Union County Performing Arts Center.

This free concert version of the award-winning musical revue will take place at the historic UCPAC Main Stage at 1601 Irving Street in Rahway, kicking off a month-long celebration of programming in recognition of Black History Month.

Ain’t Misbehavin’ pays tribute to the black musicians of the 1920s and 30s Harlem Renaissance, an era of growing creativity, cultural awareness, and pride. It showcases the music of Thomas “Fats” Waller, who rose to fame during the Golden Age of the Cotton Club and introduced a new form of music called swing.

Admission is free but tickets are required to guarantee seating. For more information and to reserve tickets, visit ucpac.org/events. Please note that tickets for the event are currently on hold and will be released beginning on January 25 at 12:00 p.m.

For more information, contact the Box Office by email at boxoffice@ucpac.org or by phone at 732-499-8226.

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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.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to present an exhibit of photographic mandalas by Danielle Wilkinson of Clark in the gallery space at the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, located at 633 Pearl Street in Elizabeth. A selection of Ms. Wilkinson’s work entitled “Photographic Mandalas from Nature” is on display at the Pearl Street Gallery until March 29. Gallery hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

“Ms. Wilkinson’s skills as a photographer and digital designer come together in a series of powerful images. The Freeholder Board is very proud to provide this opportunity for the public to enjoy this unique perspective on the natural world,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski.

Danielle Wilkinson is an artist currently creating and teaching workshops in drawing, photography, spirituality and yoga. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Ramapo College of NJ and her NJ Art & Education Certification from St. Peter’s College in NJ.

Ms. Wilkinson taught art at David Brearley Middle and Kenilworth High School for 14 years, bringing her students and their work annually to the Union County Teen Arts Festival. Artwork created by her graphic design students was chosen as the official Kenilworth flag, historical seal and “Cast” logo.

Her students also worked with the Restore the Shore campaign to raise money for victims of Superstorm Sandy, by designing and selling t-shirts. In 2012-2013 she was named High School Teacher of the Year.

Ms. Wilkinson is the owner and Director of Aquarian Yoga Center, which has locations in Westfield and Clark. Her artwork is on her line of yoga clothing and mats, and she has exhibited her work extensively in galleries and other venues throughout the state and beyond. She is also a Getty iStock Photo contributor, the illustrator of Little Wave, and the author of her own book, Conduit of Light, published in 2018. She is also a guest lecturer at Kean University.

To see more works by Danielle Wilkinson, visit daniellewilkinson.com .

The Pearl Street Gallery space is available only for works that can be hung on a wall. Union County artists interested in exhibiting in the gallery are welcome to apply. For more information about the Pearl Street Gallery and other programs, please contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, 633 Pearl St., Elizabeth, NJ 07202. Telephone 908-558-2550. NJ Relay users can dial 711. E-mail to: culturalinfo@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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

County also announces drop off sites for diapers and feminine hygiene products; residents encouraged to make financial contributions to NJ Food Bank

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders today announced an online assistance guide for Federal employees who are experiencing hardship due to the prolonged government shutdown.

The guide can be accessed at www.ucnj.org/federal-shutdown/  and contains location information on food pantries, soup kitchens and diaper bank sites; County drop-off box locations for those wishing to donate diapers, and feminine hygiene products; SNAP information; a donation link to the Community Foodbank of New Jersey; and a list of nationally-known businesses offering federal workers relief, including free meals, restaurant discounts to deferring payments and zero-interest loans.

“Federal employees and their families need our help, and the County of Union and our residents are prepared,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski.  “We will continue to update our webpage and social media as more information becomes available on how to assist these employees.”

There are approximately 460 Federal employees who live throughout Union County, according to the most recent information available from the Census Bureau.

Kowalski added: “At this time, we are finding the greatest issue to be food insecurity.  We are also encouraging County residents who are able to make monetary donations to consider donating to the Community Food Bank of New Jersey, which is the agency that provides food to the pantries and soup kitchens listed. Financial donations are preferable to food collections because the food bank is able to leverage monetary donations to make the dollars go much farther. We have been made aware that diapers and feminine hygiene products are also in short supply.”

The County will be collecting feminine hygiene products and diapers for distribution through the Community Food Bank at the following County government locations:

• Union County Administration Building Lobby- 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth
• Union County Socials Services Building located at-
  • 342 Westminster Ave., Elizabeth
  • 200 West 2nd St., Plainfield
• Froehlich Public Safety Building-400 North Ave., East, Westfield
• Engineering & Public Works Building-2325 South Ave., Scotch Plains

Offices are open 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Residents who receive assistance through the SNAP Food Assistance program received allocations for January and February earlier this week. Recipients are urged to budget their funds as the dollars credited to the cards must hold them over for two months rather than one, as is the norm.  Federal employees not receiving SNAP, and who need the assistance can visit the web link on how to apply for benefits during the shutdown.

Union County residents seeking information about services available for senior adults age 60 and older will have a choice of six (6) dates and locations in February to speak with staff from the county’s Department of Human Services, Division on Aging.  Staff will be present at public libraries in Westfield; Clark; Garwood; Elizabeth; Union; and at the Senior Center in Rahway with Spanish speaking staff at this site.

“The purpose of ‘ASK’ is to help residents obtain government programs and services available to seniors and their caregivers,” said Bette Jane Kowalski, Chair of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.  “The program brings our knowledgeable, experienced Division on Aging staff to locations throughout Union County to make it easier for residents to get expert assistance close to home.”

Staff from the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection/ADRC have been traveling throughout Union County providing information about services such as home delivered meals; respite care; home care; adult day care; and, support services for caregivers through the Aging Services Kiosk or ASK community outreach effort.  Assistance with completing applications and forms is also provided.

The February 2019 dates and locations are:

Monday, February 4
Westfield Memorial Library
550 E. Broad Street
Westfield, NJ 07090
10:00 am – 12:00 noon

Thursday, February 7
Rahway Senior Center
Bilingual staff will be available at this site
1306 Esterbrook Avenue
Rahway, 07065
10:00 am – 12:00 noon

Monday, February 11
Clark Public Library
303 Westfield Avenue
Clark, 07066
10:00 am to 12:00 noon

Thursday, February 21
Garwood Public Library
411 Third Avenue
Garwood, 07027
10:00 – 12:00 noon

Friday, February 22
Elizabeth Public Library – Elmora branch
740 W. Grand Street
Elizabeth, 07202
10:00 am – 12:00 noon

Tuesday, February 26
Union Public Library
1980 Morris Avenue
Union, 07083
11:30 am – 1:30 pm

All Union County residents are welcome to attend any of these ASK events.

The Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection’s (ADRC) goal is to promote wellness, independence, dignity and choice for seniors and their families. It is one of 670 “Area Agencies on Aging” nationwide established under the federal Older Americans Act.  The division has information printed in both English and Spanish.

“The Aging & Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) model is a state initiative that Union County has embraced since 2012, and is designed to improve service for seniors and the disabled,” said Freeholder Chair Kowalski. “These services can enable seniors and the disabled to remain in their homes and communities.

Check for the upcoming schedule of stops for an ASK kiosk coming near you as dates and locations are posted in local newspapers, the Senior News, Facebook, Twitter and the Union County website, www.ucnj.org.

For further information about the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection, call the division’s toll-free number: 1-888-280-8226, or 908-527- 4870 or 4858. Spanish speakers may call 908-527-4863.  Information may be viewed on the Union County government website at www.ucnj.org. 

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce a free teacher training workshop for teachers K-8 on Thursday, March 7 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  The “Eagle Cam in the Classroom” program offers a unique opportunity for formal and non-formal grade school teachers to learn how a wildlife cam can be effectively used as a teaching tool.

“We’re glad to offer this teacher training workshop to help teachers bring eagles, virtually, into their classrooms. Through this program, students can see first-​hand how these majestic birds live and, hopefully, how we can help them survive,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. 

The bald eagle population in New Jersey continues to soar largely due to the work of biologists from the New Jersey Endangered and Nongame Species Program, and Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey (CWF). 

Teachers can learn more about the habits and habitats of bald eagles and how to bring these charismatic raptors into their classroom through the use of CWF’s live cams.  CWF and New Jersey State Biologist for eagles, Larissa Smith, will help teachers understand the science behind New Jersey’s bald eagle population and the adaptations that make them unique. 

In addition, Stephanie DAlessio, Education Director of CWF will explain the many ways eagle ecology can be used in the curriculum for STEM lessons.  Live birds of prey will make an appearance from the Tenafly Nature Center.

A light morning snack and lunch will be served. Earn 5 professional education credits. Class size is limited; register early at ucnj.org/trailside.

This program is free and is made possible by funding support from Conserve Wildlife Foundation and the Trailside Museum Association.

For more information about these programs or other activities at Trailside, please call 908-789-3670 or visit ucnj.org/trailside.  

Trailside Nature and Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a facility of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation.       

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Photo credit: Don Freiday, USFWS.

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 Board of Chosen Freeholders would like to remind residents that immunizations are available to eligible children ages 2 months to 18 years of age without medical insurance at the Union County Immunization center, through the federal Vaccines for Children program.

“The Immunization Center was established by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders in 1996 to provide immunizations to children without medical insurance,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “All children deserve to live healthy lives regardless of their family’s economic status, and our county is working diligently to provide those opportunities.”

The Immunization Center provides information about available health services to families in need, screenings and more than a dozen immunizations for eligible children under age 18.

Children who are uninsured or underinsured, or who receive Medicaid or N.J. Family Care are eligible for services. A total of 1,936 children were vaccinated in 2018 at the Union County Immunization Center.

To receive vaccinations for a child, parents or guardians are required to provide the eligible child’s birth certificate, current vaccination records, parent or legal guardians ID. Legal guardians must also have guardianship papers from the Court. If the child is in school, a referral by a school nurse must be presented.

The following vaccinations are available at the Union County Immunization Center:

• TD – Tetanus and Diphtheria
• DtaP – Whooping Cough or Pertussis
• HIB – Haemophilus Influenza Type B
• Prevnar – Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (for bacterial infections that cause pneumonia, blood, and brain infections)
• Gardasil
• Proquad
• Rota
• Meningococcal
• Pentacel
• MMR – Measles, Mumps and Rubella (German or 3-day Measles)
• Hepatitis B
• Varicella – Chickenpox
• Flu
• Pediarix – DtaP; Hepatitus B; and IPV (inactivated polio vaccine)

To make an appointment at the Union County Immunization Center, to determine if a child qualifies for services, or to find out more about the program, call the Immunization Center weekdays during regular business hours at (908) 965-3627/3868.

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Image credit: cdc.gov

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.

Due to the federal government shutdown, you will be receiving your February benefits early. If you received a SNAP benefit in January and were scheduled to receive SNAP in February, your February benefits will be available on your Families First card on January 17.

For ongoing updates on how the federal shutdown may impact your SNAP benefits, visit NJSNAP.gov.

Union County residents with questions using the Elizabeth Social Services Office may call 908-965-2700 and those using the Plainfield Office can call 908-791-7000.

Información importante para beneficiarios de SNAP sobre sus beneficios de febrero

Debido al cierre del gobierno federal, recibirá sus beneficios del Programa de asistencia nutricional suplementaria (SNAP) de febrero con anterioridad. Si recibió un beneficio de SNAP en enero y tenía programado recibirlo en febrero, sus beneficios de febrero estarán disponibles en su tarjeta de Families First el 17 de enero

Este es su beneficio de todo el mes de febrero, así que haga un presupuesto con eso en mente.

Los beneficios de asistencia monetaria de febrero para Work First New Jersey (WFNJ), la Asistencia Temporal para Familias Necesitadas (TANF) y la Asistencia General (GA) estarán disponibles en su tarjeta Families First en su fecha regular

Para obtener actualizaciones continuas sobre cómo el cierre federal puede afectar sus beneficios de SNAP, visite NJSNAP.gov.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Teen Arts Festival is looking for volunteers who enjoy working with middle and high school students in and an exciting and dynamic setting.

“The Teen Arts Festival is a high-energy event that showcases the creativity of thousands of our local students. We depend on the public to volunteer and help foster their talents through a variety of artistic disciplines,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “Whether you are an amateur or professional artist, or simply enjoy working with young people, volunteering at Teen Arts is a great way to help encourage youth through the arts.”

The Union County Teen Arts Festival is scheduled for Thursday and Friday, March 14 and March 15. The festival is sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders through the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs in the Department of Parks and Recreation.

For over 30 years, the Union County Teen Arts Festival has provided a high-visibility forum for the artistic talents of County students. With nearly 3,50

0 participants, the event offers performances, critiquing seminars, master classes and workshops with a staff of 55 professional artists in every discipline – visual art, music, creative writing, theater and dance, the festival is a great experience for participants as well as volunteers.

Volunteers are needed to assist artists with workshops, manage performance sites and staff information stations. Volunteers must be over 18 and not currently enrolled in high school.

The two-day festival is held annually at Union County College in Cranford. The event is open to all students from public, charter, private and parochial middle and high schools in Union County.

For more information about the Union County Teen Arts Festival or to sign up as a volunteer, contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth, New Jersey 07202. Telephone: 908-558-2550; NJ Relay Users call 711. Or e-mail us at: culturalinfo@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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Reaching out to Families, Individuals, Youth and Veterans Experiencing Homelessness; Freeholder Chair Kowalski asks County agencies to assess impact and Response To Prolonged Closure

When: Wednesday, January 23, 2019 (Exact times will vary by county)
Where:  Across New Jersey’s twenty-one counties
Who is counting:  Organizations, agencies and others planning community efforts to end homelessness

On January, 23, 2019, the County of Union will be among all 21 Counties that participate in NJCounts 2019, conducting a state-wide Point-In-Time Count of the sheltered and unsheltered homeless.  NJCounts 2019 of homeless families, youth and veterans will continue to guide efforts to end homelessness across the state.

NJCounts 2018 found 9,303 homeless men, women and children, in 6,982 households, across the state of New Jersey. This number increased by 771 persons (9%) from 2017. NJCounts 2018 counted individuals who were homeless on the night of January 23, 2018. 

“As we plan the Point-in-Time Count, we are working in the shadow of the federal shutdown,” said Union County Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “Federal employees working without a paycheck – along with people who depend on HUD-funded rental assistance – could become homeless. On behalf of my Freeholder colleagues, I’ve asked the County’s agencies to assess the impact of a prolonged closure, and what measures we can take to lessen the burden on those affected.”

In this year’s NJCounts, the many factors expected to impact an increase or decrease from NJCounts 2018 numbers include:

• As Chair Kowalski noted, the current shutdown of the federal government impacts housing and homelessness programs funded by the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), puts furloughed government workers living pay check to pay check at risk of eviction and foreclosure and leaves programs receiving HUD funding worrying about making payroll. More specifically, formerly homeless persons housed through HUD funded rental assistance vouchers face increased risk of losing their housing and once again becoming homeless as the government shut down freezes agencies’ ability to drawdown rental assistance funding for those individuals and families increasing the likelihood of eviction;
• Even when the federal government is open and all workers are receiving their paychcecks, many jobs in New Jersey do not pay a living wage and jobs with living wage are leaving the state;
• A shortage of funding for affordable rental housing in New Jersey drives up both the demand and costs;
• A growing body of data shows the connection between poor health outcomes, increased health system costs and homelessness.  As hospital systems look into this issue more closely, we hope to see increased participation from local hospitals in NJCounts; and
• As more communities work to refine their Code Blue response system and provide warming center services to unsheltered persons coupled with the cold temperatures for this winter, the overall NJCounts numbers will likely be impacted.

NJCounts 2019 is designed to understand the nature of New Jersey’s homeless population so that limited resources can meet its needs.  On January 23, 2019, volunteers will seek out our neighbors experiencing homelessness in shelters, woods, under bridges, in vacant buildings and other locations.  Due to the lack of affordable or supportive housing available to them, individuals and families are forced to find alternatives to housing they can afford. 

HUD mandates the statewide point-in-time count of the homeless known in New Jersey as NJCounts 2019.  Monarch Housing Associates coordinates this year’s statewide count being conducted county-by-county at the local level. The New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency funds NJCounts 2019.