Category: Public Info

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites members of the community to honor the memory of the 60 Union County residents who perished in the 9/11 attacks by visiting the Union County September 11th Memorial, Monday, Sept. 11th from the morning hours until 9 p.m. at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside.

Members of the Union County Sheriff’s Office will provide a uniformed Honor Guard standing watch at the memorial from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. and the public will be able to bring and light candles in memory of those lost in the attacks.

“On this date, we honor those who perished in the attacks and remember the many acts of bravery that occurred that day,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “The County memorial provides a location that allows for peace and reflection that gives us strength and inspiration.”

The Union County September 11th Memorial honors those lost in the attacks using design elements that include two girders from the World Trade Center arranged within a five sided area representing the Pentagon, and an Eternal Flame representing those who died in Pennsylvania. The Flame also honors members of the Armed Services and emergency responders.

In addition to these elements, the names of the 60 deceased Union County residents are etched into the memorial.

Dedicated on Sept. 13, 2003 the memorial was constructed through private donations including in-kind work by labor unions and materials at cost.

The Freeholder Board worked with residents of Cranford, Elizabeth, Kenilworth, Linden, Mountainside, Rahway, Scotch Plains, Summit, Union and Westfield in planning and building the Memorial.

It is located near the Springfield Avenue entrance of Echo Lake Park on the border of Mountainside and Springfield.

For additional information on the Union County September 11th Memorial, visit online at ucnj.org/9-11-memorial.

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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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ELIZABETH, NJ- The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is proud to present artworks from the Westfield Art Association, currently on exhibit at the Freeholders Gallery. The gallery is located on the 6th floor of the Union County Administration Building at 10 Elizabethtown Plaza in Elizabeth, with gallery hours from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The exhibit will be on display through October 31, 2017.

“The Westfield Art Association exhibit is an enriching experience that provides a window into the way artists in our community interpret the world around them,” said Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, who is the Freeholder Board’s liaison to the Union County Cultural and Heritage Advisory Board.

Artworks in the exhibit include: paintings by Danielle Auriemma-D’Amico depicting Avon NJ and the island of Santorini, abstract paintings by Francesca Azzara, portraits of Michael Jackson by Laura Brown, polaroid triptychs by Michael Endy, vineyard scenes painted by Paul Federico, portraits by Maxine King, landscapes evoking the work of Van Gogh painted by Avi Kiriakatis; and works by Virginia Puskar that capture the lives of birds.

Founded in 1922, the Westfield Art Association (WWA) is the oldest independent arts organization in the state of New Jersey. A non-profit volunteer organization, WWA provides art education and public exhibitions, and actively encourages its members in the pursuit and development of their individual artistic goals and growth. WAA welcomes all artistic mediums and all levels of experience.

Public art events organized by the WAA include art education lectures, hands-on art studio workshops, gallery exhibits, outdoor art exhibitions, and pop-up galleries in Westfield restaurants and storefront windows. WAA has also arranged Art in the Park events, including The Sketchbook Project, a traveling collection of artist sketchbooks from around the world.

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, 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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Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce a total of $146,968 in funding to improve children’s programming in 20 local public libraries, through the 2017 Union County Library Grant program.

“Our local public libraries enable every child to access many different pathways to knowledge,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “In particular, keeping up with today’s digital resources can be a challenge for libraries given the cost of procuring up-to-date technology. County funding can help fill that gap and ensure every child has a chance to learn.”

“The Union County Library Grant program provides more educational resources to our youth and also furthers their education outside of the school setting,” said Freeholder Vice Chairman Sergio Granados, who chairs the Union County Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund. “The Freeholder Board is proud to support our local libraries, which bring children from all walks of life together on an equal basis and help to forge an appreciation for our diverse community.”

Libraries can use their Union County grant award to upgrade facilities, programming, materials and equipment that directly benefit children’s literature and activities.

The annual grant initiative was launched in 2015 by Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski with the goal of helping local, non-school libraries strengthen their programming for children.

“The grant program has been received with great enthusiasm since its inception. Last year’s awardees used their funds for science programs, coding classes, robotics clubs, summer and after-school reading programs, technology upgrades and much more,” said Freeholder Kowalski. “Our local libraries are helping to foster the next generation of lifelong learners, and their efforts help to strengthen the whole Union County community.”

The library grant program is administered through the Trust Fund and uses non-tax dollars from fees at the County’s two golf courses.

2017 Union County Library Grant Awardees:

Berkeley Heights       $4,500.00

Clark                            $7,500.00

Cranford                     $7,469.06

Elizabeth                    $7,500.00

Fanwood                    $7,500.00

Garwood                    $7,500.00

Hillside                      $7,500.00

Kenilworth                $7,500.00

Linden                       $7,500.00

Mountainside           $7,500.00

New Providence        $7,499.42

Plainfield                   $7,500.00

Rahway                      $7,500.00

Roselle                       $7,500.00

Roselle Park             $7,500.00

Scotch Plains            $7,500.00

Springfield                $7,500.00

Summit                     $7,500.00

Union                        $7,500.00

Westfield                  $7,500.00

Total                          $146,968.48

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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 – A four-lane thoroughfare that threads through the heart of Union County is an unlikely spot for a miniature produce farm, and yet each year hundreds of pounds of fresh tomatoes, eggplants, peppers and other vegetables sprout up in a score of neatly spaced garden beds just a few feet away from bustling Westfield Avenue in Elizabeth.

The thriving garden is one of 18 gardens that received funding from the Union County Means Green Community Garden grant program this year. It rings the headquarters of the non-profit organization Jewish Family Service of Central New Jersey, which uses the home grown fresh produce to supplement its community nutrition programs.

“The JFS garden is an outstanding representative of the community garden movement in Union County,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “Even a small piece of land can find new purpose as a source of fresh, locally grown produce, helping to improve nutrition and well-being in local neighborhoods.”

UC Means Green launched in 2016 as an initiative of Chairman Bergen, with the aim of bringing the community garden experience to neighborhoods throughout Union County. In all, more than two dozen gardens have received grants from the program.

“The Freeholder Board has supported a large community garden for many years — the Demonstration Garden in the Watchung Reservation, which is run by the volunteer Rutgers Master Gardeners of Union County,” explained Bergen. “It’s an invaluable community resource and we wanted to help local neighborhoods realize some of those benefits, too.”

Donating a portion of the harvest and engaging the public in recreation, education and social activities are main features of the Union County Means Green community garden grant program.

The JFS garden received a Union County Means Green grant in 2016 for the construction of special raised beds, which enable seniors to participate in garden activities without stooping or kneeling. In partnership with the non-profit organization Groundwork Elizabeth, the raised beds are used as a social activity for a group of seniors at risk of isolation.

“Community gardening is a holistic movement that links access to healthy food with civic service, environmental awareness and an opportunity to make new connections with family, friends and neighbors,” said JFS Director of Community Engagement Elie Bodner.  “Our garden stretches all along the front of our building, creating a beautiful message of community strength for all to see.”

A Union County Means Green grant this year went to improve the garden’s drip irrigation system. The garden is expected to yield more than 1,600 pounds of produce this season, including apples from several trees donated by Williams Nursery of Westfield.

“Open space is a precious commodity in our area, so it’s been wonderful to see how our grant awardees bring new life to land that would otherwise go underused,” said Bergen.

Other examples among the grant awardees include the sprawling Scotch Plains – Fanwood Community Garden located on the former site of the Terry Lou Zoo, special raised beds occupying small parcels of unused ground adjacent to parking lots at the Richmond Terrace senior residence in Plainfield, and a youth garden behind the Elmora branch of the Elizabeth Public Library, which is tended by participants in the library’s teen program. 

Groundwork Elizabeth is the grant administrator for UC Means Green and for Union County Kids Dig In, a new grant program for school gardens launched this year by Freeholder Vice Chairman Sergio Granados. Groundwork coordinates dozens of community gardens in Union County.

For more information about Union County Means Green contact the Union County Office of Public Information, 908-527-4346.

For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities 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 – A limited number of vendor tables are still available for the 2017 Union County Means Business Expo, coming up on Tuesday, September 12 at Union County’s new Warinanco Park Sports Center in Roselle, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The Expo is designed to help local businesses and entrepreneurs build their networks and grow their brands in a stylish, contemporary environment.

All vendors receive a color ad in the Expo program and 10 VIP tickets to enter an exclusive raffle.

The Expo also offers a complimentary food tasting featuring the event menu available at the Warinanco Sports Center.

Vendor registration is available online at ucnj.org/union-county-means-business/expo. Admission for attendees is free.

Vendors and exhibitors tables are available for a fee of $100.00 and must be registered by September 5.

For links to the program, video and photos of the 2016 Union County Means Business Expo visit the “2016 Expo” tab at  ucnj.org/union-county-means-business/previous-events/#2016.

Union County Means Business is an economic development initiative of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders 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, and the Cranford Area 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

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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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The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce children’s music band Michael & The Rockness Monsters will perform at the Family PRIDE CommUNITY Picnic on Saturday, September 16, 2017 at Rahway River Park, in Rahway.

“Celebrating the strength of our diversity, the Family PRIDE CommUNITY Picnic offers LGBTQ allies, parents and children a space to connect, support and celebrate together,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “The Freeholder Board is proud to feature children’s funk inspired rock band Michael & The Rockness Monsters with their playful and honest music the entire family will enjoy.”

Head out to the park for a full day of free family fun celebrating LGBTQ family Pride starting at 12:00 Noon, and stay for the children’s music concert featuring Michael & The Rockness Monsters, an interactive, super galactic – funk inspired, rock-n-roll experience for families at 2:30 p.m.

“As a band our goal is to spread love and write music that celebrates diversity and equality,” said Michael Napolitano of Michael & the Rockness Monsters. “We support one reoccurring message: Be yourself, be good to others and most of all, have fun!  We cannot wait to rock at the Family PRIDE CommUNITY Picnic!!”

A celebration of all families, the free Family PRIDE CommUNITY Picnic will include arts and crafts (featuring a “LOVE Makes a Family” poster making station), inflatable bounce houses for all ages, face painting, music, family-friendly field day games (register online to be on a team) and much more.

A Family Equality Rally will kick off at 1:00 P.M. with special guest speakers and performances. Parents and children are encouraged to show family Pride with a sign or banner.

More than a dozen LGBTQ family and marriage equality advocacy and ally organizations will be on site all day with general information, as well as support and networking resources.

In the event of inclement weather the Family PRIDE CommUNITY Picnic will be held at the Warinanco Sports Center, Warinanco Park in Elizabeth/Roselle.

For more information visit ucnj.org/Pride, or find the UC Family PRIDE CommUNITY Picnic event page at Facebook.com/CountyOfUnion, or call the Union County Office of Parks and Recreation at 908-527-4900.

ELIZABETH, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to present an exhibit of paper sculptures by Elizabeth artist Barbara Wallace in the gallery space at the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, located in the historic St. John’s Parsonage at 633 Pearl Street in Elizabeth.

A selection of Ms. Wallace’s work entitled “Barbara Wallace: Sculptural Relief” is on display at the Pearl Street Gallery through October 20. The public is invited to enjoy the exhibit during gallery hours, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

“The talent and diversity of our county artists assure an inspiring and interesting variety of exhibitions at the Pearl Street Gallery,” said Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, liaison to the Union County Cultural and Heritage Advisory Board. “We are pleased to display an exhibit of Ms. Wallace’s impressive figurative sculptures.”

Barbara Wallace began her artistic training at the Art Students’ League of New York. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting from Pratt Institute and her Master of Fine Arts in Sculpture from the University of Pennsylvania.

Wallace is an Adjunct Professor at Kean University and Passaic County Community College. She currently works with various mixed media materials including recycled paper, wire, and acrylic paint.

Recent exhibitions include the Westfield Art Association Jubilee Exhibit at the Masker’s Barn in the Deserted Village of the Watchung Reservation, Fire in Her Eyes at the Newark School of the Arts, and Wreath Interpretations at the Arsenal Gallery in Manhattan.

She is a previous Union County Honoree in the Arts for Women’s History Month, awarded by the New Jersey Senate and General Assembly in Trenton. For more details visit Ms. Wallace online at blw105.wix.com/barbarawallace.

“My training is in traditional sculptural materials of clay, metal, stone, and wood. I have adapted techniques ordinarily reserved for clay and sheet metal for recycled paper and cardboard,” Ms. Wallace said. “The process for creating the works usually begins with a recycled metal clothes hanger. Layers of newspaper, magazine pages and cardboard are applied to this minimal armature with an adhesive of boiled wheat paste glue. Other sculptures combine the paper core technique with a layer of wax. Creating long-lasting sculpture from unlikely and somewhat ephemeral materials of yesterday’s news and this afternoon’s lunch is the crux of my artwork.”

Union County artists interested in exhibiting in the gallery space are welcome to apply (works must be hung on a wall). For more information about the Pearl Street Gallery or other programs, contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at culturalinfo@ucnj.org or call (908)-558-2550. 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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Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Recreation invites everyone to attend the 36^th Annual Harvest Festival on Sunday, September 24 at Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m., rain or shine. 

Harvest Festival is a celebration of Early American life featuring ongoing music and entertainment, storytelling, Native American cooking display, petting zoo, pony rides, Colonial and Native American crafts, children’s games and crafts, food and a pumpkin patch.  The always popular Scarecrow Building will again take place.

“This event gives those in attendance an opportunity to see early American culture and history come to life while walking through the festival grounds in the picturesque Watchung Reservation,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “Visitors of all ages will enjoy this fascinating, fun-filled event.”

Admission to the Harvest Festival is $4.00 per person, with children ages 6 and younger admitted free of charge. There may be a fee charged for some of the activities.

Trailside Nature & Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside. For more information on Trailside Nature and Science Center please visit www.ucnj.org/trailside.

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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, NU — Tickets for the Hayrides and Campfires event presented by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Union County Department of Parks & Recreation will be available for purchase beginning Tuesday, September 5th at 8:30 a.m.

Beginning this year, tickets will be sold online in addition to three locations throughout the county. All tickets must be purchased in advance, there will be no tickets sold on site.

All ticket sales will be final, with no refunds or exchanges. The event includes the hayride, entertainment, and hot chocolate and marshmallows to toast over a campfire.

The first Hayride and Campfire will be on Friday, September 29 at Trailside Nature & Science Center in Mountainside from 6:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. On Sunday afternoon, October 1, Hayrides will be offered from 3:30 pm until 6:30 pm. Hayrides and Campfires will also be offered on Friday October 13 and Friday, October 20 at Trailside from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm.

On Friday, October 6, Hayrides and Campfires will take place at Warinanco Park in Roselle from 6:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.

“The hayrides and campfire events are always among the most popular events in our parks, so those interested in participating should get their tickets early, either online or in person, and plan for a fun filled evening to begin the fall,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen.

Tickets are priced at $6.00 for Union County Residents, $12.00 for Non-Residents. Group sales are limited to 15 tickets. To purchase tickets online visit ucnj/ticket.

Tickets will be on sale at the following locations and times beginning September 5.

• Westfield Office, Colleen Fraser Building, 300 North Avenue East in Westfield, Monday through Wednesday from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm; Thursday from 8:30 am to 7:00 pm; Friday from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm.
• Elizabeth Office, Union County Administration Building, 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 4:00 pm.
• Trailside Nature & Science Center, 452 New Providence Road, Mountainside from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm, Sunday through Saturday.

For further information call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-527-4900; or Trailside Nature and Science Center at 908-789-3670; or visit the Union County website 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.