Category: Public Info

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi hosted an educational seminar open to all Notaries Public featuring Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen as the main speaker at the John H. Stamler Police Academy in Scotch Plains.

The Notary Public course is a new service being offered by the Office of the Union County Clerk. It is designed to instruct Notaries Public on how to perform their duties with confidence and diligence. Notaries will learn about the new online application process and the legal aspects of performing the duties of a Notary Public in an effort to avoid liability issues.

For more information, call the Union County Clerk’s Office, 908-527-4787. Details on all Union County Clerk programs and services are available online at ucnj.org/county-clerk.

The following information is from PSE&G:

Union County, NJ – During the week of March 21st, PSE&G crews will work at the following locations for the construction of the Bergen-Linden Corridor (BLC) electric transmission reliability project, pseg.com/blc:

Manhole excavation and installation between Fulton Street and East Jersey on Second Street

Manhole excavation and installation between Court Street and Magnolia Street on Second Street

For questions about the project, you can send an email to richard.dwyer@pseg.com or call PSE&G’s BLC customer service telephone number at 1-800-541-9020 or visit pseg.com/blc. For more details visit the City of Elizabeth link under “What’s Happening in Your Town.”

#  #

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:

World Premiere of New Musical Opens This Thursday, March 24 in Rahway

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is proud to support Mystic Vision Players, a nonprofit community theatre organization based in Linden, in the world premiere of Wendy’s Shadow at UCPAC’s Hamilton Stage in Rahway next week, March 24-26.

“The Freeholder Board is proud to support the artistic talent of Union County organizations through the UCACT program,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “This production brings to the community a unique opportunity for Union County residents and guests to experience the world premiere of a new musical production.”

In this world premiere production of Wendy’s Shadow (book, music and lyrics by David Maglione with additional lyrics and material by Tomas Ruiz; and original concept by David Maglione and Tomas Ruiz), the mischievous and magical adventure of Peter Pan is retold from Wendy’s grown-up perspective featuring a contemporary folk/rock score.

Under the visionary eye of director Mikaela Kafka, the superb cast, starring Michael Nigro (NBC’s Sound of Music) as Peter, takes the audience back to Neverland – where dreams are born, and time is never planned – and asks if it’s ever possible to truly leave the one you loved.

With energetic choreography that will leave you breathless created Amy Shera who returns to the project after directing the 2015 New York Musical Theatre Festival workshop production and soaring vocals expertly directed by graduating Kean senior Bruce De La Cruz, Wendy’s Shadow promises to be a tour de force treat for the entire family.

“People are going to find something new in the way Wendy’s Shadow presents this classic story,” says producer, Howard Whitmore. “They are going to be moved.”

Sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders through the Union County Advancing Community Theatre (UCACT) program, the musical premiere of Wendy’s Shadow, will run for four performances at UCPAC’s Hamilton Stage from Thursday, March 24 through Saturday, March 26 at 8:00 p.m., with a second performance on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets visit ucpac.org or call the UCPAC box office at 732-499-8226.

The UCACT program launched in 2015 as a special initiative of Freeholder Mohamed S. Jalloh during his chairmanship and continues on the footsteps of last year’s success, which included a diverse body of work including two original plays, a student production, a new community theatre organization, among others featuring the high-quality artistic talent of many Union County residents.

The UCACT program aims to provide a strategic platform to support the development of Union County’s rich theatre talent by leveraging existing resources and broadening the definition of economic development and public recreation to include support for community theatre. For more information about UCACT visit ucnj.org/ucact.

Union County, NJ  –  Union County residents age 16 and older can contact the Department of Parks and Recreation Department now for information about becoming a certified Lifeguard this summer at two County swimming pools, the Walter Ulrich Memorial Pool in Rahway and the John Russell Wheeler Pool in Linden.

“Lifeguarding provides a unique opportunity to add a position to your resume or college application that demonstrates a high degree of reliability and responsibility,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “Our pools are conveniently located and we offer both part time and full time schedules. I encourage you to call now and find out how to apply.”

Applicants can begin the certification process at age 15, but they must be 16 years of age or older by completion of their training.  The starting pay is $11.00 per hour.

The 2016 season begins on June 25 and ends on September 5.

To find out about certification and physical requirements, email the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at Warinanco@ucnj.org or call 908-298-7849 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

#  #

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County, NJ – Schools, businesses and non-profit agencies are invited to contact the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County to book informational programs on nutrition and other health topics for students and adults. The programs are offered as part of the Extension’s spring programming schedule, County Visions Spring 2016.

“The Extension offers a full slate of programming and expert guidance for household and community health, whether you are interested in growing a successful garden, improving your family’s nutrition, volunteering in the community or helping to create a healthier environment in our neighborhoods,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen.

In 2016 the Extension is offering four informational programs, for a nominal fee, to schools and other groups:

Forget Fad Diets: Just Learn to Eat Heart Healthy. Learn to trade high-fat/high calorie foods for healthier options.

Family Meals Anytime, Anyplace. The class includes practical tips for making family meals happen along with some simple meal ideas you can start using today.

MyPlate Makeovers. This class compares your daily intake to the recommendations of researchers and USDA and is a great class for parents, teachers, and community groups.

Lead Poisoning Prevention & Nutrition. Learn the causes and complications of lead poisoning for children and families and how regular meals and good nutrition may help lower lead absorption.

The Extension is also offering a “green infrastructure” program for residents and municipal agencies. Participants will learn how to reduce runoff by design and constructing rain gardens. The program will include tours of existing rain gardens, permeable pavements and other types of green infrastructure.

In addition, County Visions Spring 2016 provides information on the popular Master Gardeners and Master Tree Stewards volunteer programs, opportunities to lead a 4-H youth club, where to call for gardening help including soil tests and insect identification, details for the annual Master Gardeners garden fair and plant sale fundraiser, and more.

The County Visions Spring 2016 brochure can be viewed online at the County website at ucnj.org/rce, or call the Extension office in Westfield for more information, 908-654-9854.

The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County is a program of the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station. Supported in part by the Freeholder Board, the Extension belongs to a national network organized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to foster youth development and community health. For more information other Union County Extension programs including 4-H, Master Gardeners and Master Tree Stewards, visit ucnj.org/rce.

#  #

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 Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen, Vice Chairman Sergio Granados and Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski greeted youth applicants for summer jobs at United Airlines during an information and prescreening session at the Union County Workforce Innovation Business Center at The Mills at Jersey Gardens in Elizabeth. The United Airlines Summer Assist Program is cosponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the Union County Workforce Development Board and Union County College.

(Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County, NJ – The Union County Rape Crisis Center is seeking new Volunteer Advocates to provide guidance and support for victims of sexual violence.

The Rape Crisis Center is a division of the Union County Department of Human Services, supported by a corps of volunteers Advocates who are trained to provide reliable guidance and empathy for victims, many of whom have no-one else to help them in the aftermath of an assault. The volunteers are fully mentored and supported by experienced, professional staff.

Prospective volunteers must be over 18, hold a valid driver’s license, and have their own vehicle.

The next Advocate training course begins on April 5. If you are interested in becoming an Advocate, call the Rape Crisis Center by March 29 at 908-233-7273 or email rcc@ucnj.org to determine your eligibility.

To find out more about the volunteer experience, contact the Rape Crisis Center at 908-233-7273 or rcc@ucnj.org, or visit online at unioncountyrapecrisiscenter.blogspot.com.

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.

Celebrate families of all abilities at Union County’s sensory-friendly concert this weekend. The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is proud to bring the sensory-friendly rootsy rock ‘n’ roll family concert featuring Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could to the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway this Sunday, March 20 at 2:00 p.m.

Available now, all tickets are $8 per person and can be purchased through the Union County Performing Arts Center at ucpac.org or by calling the Box Office at 732-499-8226.

“The Freeholder Board is proud to offer a sensory-friendly performance series for children and families of all abilities,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “Inspired by children, Brady Rymer and his band deliver songs that engage audiences of all ages. The Freeholder board is proud to offer an opportunity for families to experience a music concert that celebrates, motivates, and empowers all families and children.”

Join two-time Grammy Award nominee Brady Rymer and his band for a rockin’ and rollin’ show featuring songs that celebrate children of all abilities. Dance and sing along with the group that NPR has called “the best-sounding band in children’s music.” This upbeat concert will include music from Love Me for Who I Am, Brady’s joyful album inspired by and dedicated to students on the autism spectrum.

For more information on what to expect at a Sensory Friendly Theatre performance visit ucpac.org/sensory-friendly-theatre. Union County’s Sensory Friendly Theatre series is made possible, in part, by funding from the NJ Department of Community Affairs through a Recreational Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities Grant.

For information on additional Union County recreational programs for people with disabilities age five and up, call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-527-4781 or visit ucnj.org.

Union County, NJ – The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County has a mission of fostering community health and nutrition by sharing science-based information with the public, and its efforts have been recognized with two recent awards.

The Union County Extension is headed by Karen M. Ensle, EdD, RDN, FAND, CFCS, a nutrition expert and member of the Family and Community Health Sciences faculty at Rutgers University.

“Every year the Extension touches hundreds of Union County residents with popular volunteer and youth activity programs including the Master Gardeners, Master Tree-Stewards, and 4-H Clubs,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “On behalf of the Freeholder Board, I would like to congratulate Dr. Ensle and her staff and thank them for helping to enhance nutrition and wellness among our residents, as well.”

The Rutgers Department of Family and Community Health Sciences received a prestigious Culture of Health award from YMCA Alliance in partnership with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, during the Culture of Health conference in December.

Dr. Ensle was also among the faculty members recently honored by a “Team Award Best of the Best” recognition by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension, a statewide program that has branches in each county.

Both awards recognized the Family and Community Health Sciences faculty for a multi-faceted nutrition initiative for schools throughout New Jersey. The initiative involves training food service professionals, teachers and volunteers to encourage students to eat more fresh fruit and vegetables, and to share their knowledge with their families at home. It also includes establishing fully wheelchair-accessible school gardens that serve as teaching tools.

Chairman Bergen also noted that Dr. Ensle is the co-author of the nationally recognized, common sense wellness guide “Small Steps to Health and Wealth.”

“The ‘Small Steps’ guide puts expert knowledge and research to work for you, and I encourage our residents to look it up on the county web site,” said Chairman Bergen.

To access “Small Steps to Health and Wealth” online, along with related articles on practical health tips and fad dieting, visit Union County online at ucnj.org/rce.

The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County is supported by the Freeholder Board as part of the national Extension academic research and community outreach system, established in 1914 under the U.S. Department of Agriculture by Act of Congress. For all Union County programs visit ucnj.org/rce or call the Extension offices, 908-654-9854.

#  #

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 Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen and Freeholders Christopher Hudak, Linda Carter, Bette Jane Kowalski and Vernell Wright joined U.S. Senator Robert Menendez at the 20th Union County St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Morris Avenue in Union.

(Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)