Category: Public Info

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is proud to announce the return Shakespeare in the Park featuring six free performances of Shakespeare’s irresistible romantic comedy Twelfth Night at parks throughout Union County this summer during July and August.

“Shakespeare is an icon of English literature whose magnificent manipulation of the English language transcends time,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “This summer’s tour of Twelfth Night in our parks provides an opportunity for residents of all ages to experience the most remarkable storyteller the world has ever known.”

Featuring the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey’s Next Stage Ensemble, Twelfth Night is a story of mistaken identity, concealed truth, and comic revelation.

The summer tour of this charming comedy kicks off at Meisel Avenue Park in Springfield on Sunday, July 17 at 2 p.m.

Additional performances include:

Sunday, July 24 at Cedar Brook Park in Plainfield at 2 p.m.

Wednesday, July 27 at Raymond Wood Bauer Promenade (Amphitheater) in Linden at 7 p.m.

Sunday, July 31 at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside at 1 p.m.

Friday, August 5 at Rahway River Park in Rahway at 7 p.m.

Monday, August 8 at Oak Ridge Park in Clark at 7 p.m.
Admission is free to each of the six performances.

 

 

Pack a picnic and bring a blanket or lawn chairs and head out to Union County parks to enjoy Next Stage Ensemble’s abridged 75-minute performance of this time-honored story of mistaken identities, bewildering desires, practical jokes, and bawdy merriment – all in the name of love.  

Rich in song and music, Twelfth Night is one of Shakespeare’s most popular romantic adventures. In the words of the Bard himself, “If music be the food of love, play on.”

After a tragic shipwreck, Viola finds herself washed ashore on the beach of Illyria, having lost her twin brother Sebastian in the storm.  Masquerading as a young boy, Viola enters the service of Duke Orsino, who is in love with the lady Olivia.  The Duke charges the disguised Viola to help him win Olivia’s hand.  Olivia, in pure Shakespearean style, falls in love with the disguised Viola who, in turn, has fallen in love with the Duke!  Combine this wonderful and charming romantic comedy with the hysterical figures of Malvolio, Sir Andrew Aquecheek and Sir Toby Belch, and you have one of Shakespeare’s most riotous comedies of mistaken identity!

The Next Stage Ensemble, the Shakespeare Theatre’s summer touring company of early career actors, is part of the Theatre’s Summer Professional Training Program which offers students working toward a career in the performing arts clear instruction, individual attention, and thoughtful and candid evaluation in a professional theatre environment. The Next Stage Ensemble works with The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey’s resident and guest directors to fully develop abridged productions of classic plays. The troupe tours to various locations throughout the state – including libraries, retirement homes and community centers.

Now in its 54^th season, The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey is an independent, professional theatre company located on the Drew University campus. One of the leading Shakespeare theatres in the nation, serving 100,000 adults and children annually, it is New Jersey’s largest professional theatre company dedicated solely to Shakespeare’s canon and other world classics. Through its distinguished productions and education programs, the company strives to illuminate the universal and lasting relevance of the classics for contemporary audiences.

For more information or for a complete listing of summer events visit ucnj.org/calendar.

Union County Freeholders Linda Carter and Alexander Mirabella present resolutions and checks to students and educators from New Providence High School and John E. Dwyer Technology Academy in Elizabeth in honor of the two schools winning the 2016 Union County Student Training and Enrichment Program (UC STEP) challenge. They were joined by Union County Economic Development Director Amy Wagner.

The Garments & Gear Campaign–collecting items and funds to provide sports equipment to local students in need–was the county-wide UC STEP community service challenge undertaken by participating Union County high schools in the 2015-2016 school year. The winning schools received grant in the amount of $1,000.00 each.

UC STEP was created to provide high school students the opportunity to develop a countywide community service around a topic they feel is important, while teaching them leadership and personal growth skills and responsibility within their communities.

Union County Freeholder Angel G. Estrada presents resolutions to Angelica Blanco of Hillside and Andrew Esteves of Elizabeth congratulating them on recent academic success. Blanco received her Bachelor’s degree with a 3.78 GPA from the New Jersey Institute of Technology while Esteves was accepted to Princeton University’s five-year PhD program in Molecular Biology. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

The exhibit will be on display until July 12 at Liberty Hall Center which is located at 1085 Morris Avenue in Union. Viewing times are from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Union County Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski was on hand to congratulate them.

Ron Brown of Cranford on winning first place in the non-professional sculpture category

William Daniels of Springfield on winning first place in the professional drawing category

Lisa DiMichele of Berkeley Heights on winning first place in the non-professional acrylic category

Frank B. Marshall III of Roselle on winning first place in the professional mixed media category.

Janice Metzger of Westfield on winning first place in the professional printmaking category

Michael Metzger of Westfield on winning first place in the professional oil category

Linda Rosen of Cranford on winning first place in the professional acrylic category

Barbara Uhr of Westfield on winning first place in the professional pastel category

Thomas Wacaster of Clark on winning first place in the non-professional oil category and non-professional Best in Show

 

Union County, NJ – Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen, Freeholders Bette Jane Kowalski and Alexander Mirabella, Scotch Plains Councilwoman Rose Checcio and officials from Scotch Plains and Fanwood, and Groundwork Elizabeth Executive Director Jonathan Phillips and his staff joined with local volunteers to celebrate the start of construction for the Scotch Plains – Fanwood Community Garden on the grounds of the historic Frazee House in Scotch Plains. Guided by Groundwork personnel, the volunteers will shape mounds of new soil into raised garden beds and transform a barren field into a productive community resource. The project is among 20 community garden projects funded with the help of matching grants from the Union County Community Garden Grants program, as part of Chairman Bergen’s Union County Means Green environmental initiatives for 2016. (Credit: Jim Lowney/County of Union)

 

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.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that a selection of prize-winning art work by Union County employees and their family members is on display through July 13 in the Freeholders Gallery, located on the 6^th floor of the Union County Administration Building, Elizabethtown Plaza at Rahway Avenue, in Elizabeth. The gallery is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekdays.

The art display presents a select sampling of 17 pieces from among the 149 creations judged at the recent 15^th annual “National Arts Program Exhibit and Contest for Union County Employees and Their Families.” The exhibit and contest is a result of a partnership with the National Arts Program Foundation which provides prize money and valuable support to display the work of talented artists.

“The artistic talent of our Union County employees, retired County employees, County program volunteers and their family members is very impressive,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “We have artists who excel in painting, photography and other visual arts, and we are proud to put their work on display. We thank the National Arts Program Foundation and Elizabethtown Gas Company for hosting the May 4^th awards reception and providing space for Union County employees and their families to display their talent in the original exhibit.”

Listed alphabetically by town are all the award-winning employee artists (or their family members) and the awards they won at the original exhibit and contest. Not all of the award-winning pieces are able to be displayed at the Freeholders Gallery exhibit.

Clark:

Isabella Anastasatos (Honorable Mention, Teen 13-18)

Ryan Frees (First Place, Amateur)

George Valladares (Honorable Mention, Amateur)

Clifton

Patzy Gutierrez (First Place, Teen 13-18)

Cranford

Christina Barlik (Third Place, Teen 13-18)

Berkeley Heights

Leslie Kepner (Professional, Honorable Mention)

Edison

Richa Wadhawan (Second Place and Art Education Award, Teen 13-18)

Elizabeth

Brianna & Elianna Borga (Honorable Mention, Youth 12 and Under)

Natalie Gregorio (Second Place, Intermediate, returned award money back to program)

Shane Rhodes (Second Place, Youth 12 and Under)

Dario Scholis (Third Place, Professional)

Freeland

Ali McKittrick (First Place, Intermediate)

Seyona McKittrick (Third Place, Youth 12 and Under)

Hillsborough

James Caratozzolo (Second Place, Amateur)

Martinsville

Kayla Stasil (Honorable Mention, Youth 12 and Under)

Old Bridge

Allana McQueen (Honorable Mention, Teen 13-18)

Angelina Saggese (Honorable Mention, Teen 13-18)

Plainfield

Raymond Morgan (Honorable Mention, Intermediate)

Rahway

Arianna Lespinasse (Honorable Mention, Youth 12 and Under)

Danni Newbury (Honorable Mention, Intermediate)

Roselle

Judith White (Honorable Mention, Professional)

Roselle Park

Mario Rodriguez (Third Place, Intermediate)

Scotch Plains

Diego A. Otero (First Place, Youth 12 and Under)

Somerset

Tina Nummela (Third Place, Amateur)

Summit

Agnieszka Solawa (Second Place, Professional)

Westfield

Richard Earl (First Place, Professional)

Michael Endy (Best of Show, Professional).

Additional support for this event was provided by a grant from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. Exhibits at the Freeholders Gallery are coordinated by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs.

For more information about this exhibit and other programs and services related to the arts and Union County history, contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth NJ 07202. Telephone: (908) 558-2550. NJ Relay users dial 711. Or send E-mail to: culturalinfo@ucnj.org 

We Are One Naturalization Ceremony Event Recap

JoAnn Gemenden, chief of the Union County Bureau of Recycling & Planning in Scotch Plains, has received the “Education Award” from the New Jersey Clean Communities Council (NJCCC) for the development of two educational tools: an interactive Jeopardy! game and the New Jersey Clean Communities Litter Activity Book.

These clever marketing materials have been added to the NJCCC’s ongoing campaign to inform residents about litter’s harmful effects on the environment and how to reduce it on a larger scale.

Gemenden, who serves on the NJCCC state board, created the litter-themed Jeopardy! game as an educational tool for the state’s Clean Communities coordinators. Meanwhile, the activity book is geared toward school-aged children in the younger grades.

“Developing new programs to educate the public about the harmful effects littering has on the environment and wildlife is always a challenge,” said Gemenden, of Rahway. “But the Clean Communities program encourages us to create fun and interactive methods to reach audiences of all ages.  With the help of these educational tools, I hope that many more New Jerseyans will learn about the importance of not littering and contribute to the overall effort of a cleaner environment.”

Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen congratulated Gemenden on receiving the award.

“JoAnn’s development of educational vehicles on recycling have enlightened many different audiences about the importance of recycling,” Freeholder Bergen said. “The Freeholder Board commends her for these achievements for the positive impact her efforts have in our community and environment.”

New  Jersey  Clean  Communities Council is  a  comprehensive,  statewide  litter-abatement  program that  has  served  New  Jersey  residents  and  visitors  for  more  than  25  years.  Learn more about the New Jersey Clean Communities Council at njclean.org.

Union County, NJ –Union County marked National Trails Day 2016 with a work party of 18 enthusiastic volunteers who enjoyed a continental breakfast and a guided trail hike before setting out to clear encroaching vegetation and build a set of stairs on a section of the Ruth Yablonsky Geology  Trail in the Watchung Reservation.

“The project involved re-routing a trail that suffered a great deal of damage following a freak rain storm last August,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “Thanks to the volunteers who donated their time and effort, the trail is in much better shape for all to enjoy.”

The re-routing project is still under way. It also included members of the Adopt-A-Trail Chainsaw crew, who removed several fallen trees from the trail.

The re-routing project is still under way. It also included members of the Adopt-A-Trail Chainsaw crew, who removed several fallen trees from the trail.

The Chainsaw Crew was established in the 1990’s. The volunteers’ service in support of the Parks Department has enabled popular hiking trails to re-open in a timely manner after heavy storm damage, such as that occurring in the aftermath of hurricanes Irene and Sandy.

The Geology Trail is a popular destination that highlights some of the outstanding geological features in the Watchung Mountains. It is located near the Trailside Nature & Science Center, 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside.

A downloadable, self-guided walking tour of the Geology Trail is available at ucnj.org/geo-hike.

Any individual or group can join the Adopt-a-Park/Adopt-a-Trail program and assist with conservation programs in Union County’s system of 36 public parks. For more information visit ucnj.org/parks.

A downloadable trail map of the Watchung Reservation is also available at ucnj.org/parks.

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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.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is proud to announce six additional dates and locations for the new Aging Services Kiosk (ASK) program to visit communities throughout Union County this month.

“The primary goal of the new mobile Aging Services Kiosk program is to help provide our senior residents and their caregivers with convenient access to information about county support programs and services that are available to them,” said Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, liaison to the Human Services Advisory Council.

Offered through the Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC), under the Department of Human Services, the new Aging Services Kiosk (ASK) outreach program will travel throughout Union County to provide senior adults age 60 and above and their caregivers information about services such as home delivered meals, respite care, home care, and adult day care, as well as support services for caregivers. Assistance with completing applications and forms will also be available.

Open to all Union County residents, the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) is scheduled to bring the new ASK outreach program to the following six municipalities in June:

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Wednesday, June 8
Linden Public Library
31 E. Henry Street
Linden, 07036
10:00 am to 12 pm

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Monday, June 13
Clark Public Library
303 Westfield Avenue
Clark, 07066
10:00 am to 12 pm

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Friday, June 17
Mountainside Municipal Building
1385 Route 22 East
Mountainside, 07092
11:00 am to 1:00 pm

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Wednesday, June 22
Fanwood Public Library
5 Forest Road
Fanwood, 07023
10:00 am to 12:00 pm

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Thursday, June 23
Berkeley Heights Public Library
290 Plainfield Avenue
Berkeley Heights, 07922
10:00 am to 12:00 pm

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Thursday, June 30
Westfield Community Center
558 W. Broad Street
Westfield, 07090
10:30 am to 12:30 pm

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The Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) aims 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 offers informational resources printed in both English and Spanish.

Additional dates and locations will be added for the mobile ASK program in coming months, and will be posted in local newspapers, the Senior News, Facebook, Twitter and the Union County website, www.ucnj.org.

For more 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 or visit the Union County government website at ucnj.org.