Category: Public Info

Union County’s summer tour of Shakespeare’s outrageously fun comedy The Taming of the Shrew takes the stage at the Raymond Wood Bauer Promenade amphitheater in Linden this Sunday, July 23 at 7 p.m.

“This summer’s tour of Shakespeare’s classic romantic-comedy The Taming of the Shrew in our parks provides an opportunity for residents of all ages to experience the clever and compelling language of Shakespeare,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen.

Bring the entire family to enjoy The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey’s Next Stage Ensemble’s abridged performance of the zesty, romantic comedy of male chauvinism and women’s rights in the 16th century. Sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, this free performance is too fun to miss.

Petruchio, a poverty-stricken gentleman from Verona, journeys to Padua in search of a wealthy wife. There, he encounters the fiery Katharina, a self-willed shrew who engages Petruchio in a humorous battle of wit and insult with Kate as determined to maintain her independence as Petruchio is to “tame” her.

The final performance of this summer’s Shakespeare in the Park tour of The Taming of the Shew will be on Friday, August 4 at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside at 7 p.m. Admission is free to all of the performances.

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. Come out to Union County parks this summer to the see Next Stage Ensemble’s performance of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew.

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

Union County, NJ – Getting around Union County is about to become a little easier, thanks to a new map offered by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders showing train and bus routes along with other helpful information.

The map is available free of charge in traditional hard copy format, and by download from the County website at ucnj.org/transit.

“When all the routes are laid out in one integrated format it is easier to plan trips and take full advantage of Union County’s wealth of mass transit options,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “Mass transit is one of the cornerstones of a healthy community, helping to reduce congestion and pollution while enabling our economy to grow.”

The maps were developed as part of the 2016 Union County Transportation Master Plan in association with the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority.

“This map represents another step forward in the Freeholder Board’s efforts to keep our residents, businesses and visitors up to date and informed on transportation resources, and to advocate for continued improvements,” said Freeholder Angel G. Estrada, who serves on the NJTPA Board of Trustees representing Union County.

NJTPA is a regional transportation agency. It provided funding to print hard copies of the map, which was produced through the Bureau of Transportation Planning in the Union County Department of Economic Development with the assistance of NJ Transit.

The new map illustrates all four commuter rail lines and more than 25 bus routes serving Union County, along with route connections to neighboring counties.

It also includes mass transit tips, along with information on smart phone apps and other online resources that make trip planning easier.

The map features a county-wide view on one side and an expanded portion of the Elizabeth-Newark connections on the reverse side.

For ease of carry the map folds to the size of a typical smart phone.

The maps are available in hard copy starting on Wednesday, July19, when they will be distributed at the County’s free Summer Arts concert in Echo Lake Park featuring The Vinny’s.

Concertgoers can come to the Union County Public Information Van, which will be parked at the concert, to pick up a free copy.

The Public Information Van will continue visiting the County’s Summer Arts and Family Flix events throughout the summer with free copies for distribution.

To request a free copy by mail, send an email to the Union County Office of Public Information at info@ucnj.org.

For one-stop access to information about all forms of transportation in Union County including bike routes and Paratransit service, visit Union County Connexions at ucnj.org/connect.

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 invites local business owners, managers, and entrepreneurs to register for Union County’s first “Ask the Experts” panel discuss and networking event scheduled for Tuesday, July 25 beginning at 8:00 A.M. at Hamilton Stage (360 Hamilton Street) in Rahway.

Preregistration for this free event is available now, with an opportunity to submit up to three questions for the experts per attendee at ucnj.org/ucmb.

“‘Ask the Experts’ is an expansion of the Union County Means Business initiative designed to connect Union County business and industry,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “The Freeholder Board is committed to supporting programs that build partnerships and connect the business community with resources to promote economic development in Union County.”

What business challenges are keeping you up at night? Do you have business management or specific industry questions you’d like to ask successful business professionals? Union County’s first “Ask the Experts” event is your opportunity to submit your questions to experts at Union County’s first panel discussion event of this type – featuring experts in the fields of employee training, marketing, finance, cyber security, and business law.

“Ask the Experts” is the first expert panel discussion networking event presented by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders in conjunction with Union County Means Business (UCMB) through the Union County Workforce Development Board and partnering organizations.

Preregister online and submit your questions for the experts by Monday, July 24. A light complimentary breakfast will be provided. Door registrations are welcome on the morning of the event, but with limited opportunity to submit questions to the experts, so register online today.

To register online visit ucnj.org/ucmb; or for more information contact the Union County Department of Economic Development by emailing Deana Mesaros at dmesaros@ucnj.org.

Union County, NJ – A hardworking group of volunteers from the L’Oreal campus in Berkeley Heights helped to restore a section of the Passaic River Park off Springfield Avenue earlier this summer. In concert with local volunteers from the Berkeley Heights Environmental Commission, they spread gravel and wood chips to reduce muddy conditions on sections of a trail, and they relieved some native tree saplings from an invasion of weeds and other undesirable plants.

The project was undertaken as part of the Union County Adopt-a-Park program.

“Every year hundreds of volunteers work to improve our public parks and help keep them beautiful for all to enjoy, and L’Oreal has been a wonderful partner in this effort,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “Many thanks to the Passaic River Park volunteers for giving up their free time to make a real difference in the Union County community.”

Any individual or group is welcome to join Union County Adopt-a-Park and its sister program, Adopt-a-Trail.

For more information call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-789-3683 or visit online 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.

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Union County is offering a free training course for persons interested in volunteering with the Union County Rape Crisis Center. Specialized training is available to become part of a volunteer community of trained advocates who provide crisis and support services to victims of sexual violence and their significant others.

The Rape Crisis Center has been offering guidance and support to victims of sexual violence since 1984, as a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders through the Department of Human Services.

“Volunteer Confidential Sexual Violence Advocates are crucial to the work of the Rape Crisis Center. Sexual violence impacts not only the victim, but also those surrounding them. Our volunteer advocates help restore a sense of community to Union County residents facing a life crisis,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen.

Union County Rape Crisis Center’s free training program for volunteer Confidential Sexual Violence Advocates begins Tuesday, August 15th and will conclude Thursday, September 28th.  Classes will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the RCC office in Westfield located within the Colleen Fraser county services building, 300 North Avenue East.

The training course qualifies volunteers to be Confidential Sexual Violence Advocates, who answer phone calls to Union County’s Rape Crisis Hotline and offer in-person support.

No previous experience in counseling, law or medicine is required to become an Advocate. Volunteers must be Union County residents at least 18 years of age. They must hold a valid driver’s license and have their own vehicle.

The training course includes sessions on crisis counseling, and medical and legal accompaniment in a supportive, empathetic environment.

All sessions take place at the Rape Crisis Center office in the Colleen Fraser county services building at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield. Prospective volunteers will also come to the Westfield office for an informal interview prior to undertaking the training course.

To learn more about volunteering and get information about the next training course, call the Rape Crisis Center at 908-233-7273 or email rcc@ucnj.org.

For more details about the Rape Crisis Center, including personal stories by volunteers, visit the Rape Crisis Center blog at unioncountyrapecrisiscenter.blogspot.com.

The Union County Summer Arts Festival Concert Series continues at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside on Wednesday evening, July 19 featuring The Vinny’s, who will perform classic rock from artists such as David Bowie, Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, the Rolling Stones, the Beatles and many more. Show time is scheduled for 7:30 pm.

Five of the six band members are from right here in Union County and have been performing together since forming The Vinny’s back in November of 2011. Mike Colicchio of Elizabeth is the lead vocalist; Louis Muradas of Elizabeth on lead guitar; Vinny LaVecchia of Elizabeth on bass; John E. Most of Elizabeth on keyboards; Ross Hirtzel of Cranford on drums; and Steve Tabankin of Livingston on guitar.

The show is free, and visitors are urged to pack a picnic basket, bring lawn chairs or blankets. Refreshments and snacks will also be available from Café Gallo and the Good Humor Man. 

As always the Union County Get Fit Yoga program will precede the concert, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Bring a mat or beach towel and participate in the healthy activities for the entire family. Conducting the yoga program on July 19 will be AMP Yoga of Springfield.

“There are only two more shows left for this summer at Oak Ridge Park so we hope everyone will find some time to join their neighbors and friends for a great night of music,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen.

The Union County Summer Arts Festival series is presented every Wednesday night throughout July in Echo Lake Park and then in August at Oak Ridge Park in Clark:

Echo Lake Park, Mountainside

• July 19th The Vinny’s
• July 26th Hudson River Rats

Oak Ridge Park, Clark

• August 2nd Dead Space (The Grateful Dead Experience
• August 9th American Rapture
• August 16th Black Dog (The Led Zeppelin Tribute)
• August 23th New York State of Mind (Tribute to Billy Joel)

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites residents to participate in the 2017 “Choose Your Cover” program, a statewide skin cancer screening, awareness and educational initiative taking place on Saturday, August 5 in Clark.

To promote sun safety and help reduce the risk of skin cancer, the Chronic Disease Coalition of Middlesex and Union Counties and the Clark Health Department will once again provide free skin cancer screenings along with their “Choose Your Cover” message of prevention.

“A few simple precautions can help reduce overexposure to the sun, so please take advantage of this opportunity to learn about skin cancer prevention,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen.  “I’d like to thank the Chronic Disease Coalition and the Township of Clark for partnering with the Freeholder Board to help raise awareness about this important issue.”

In Union County, the “Choose Your Cover” event will take place at the Clark Community Pool, 201 Oakridge Road, Clark, on Saturday August 5 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The first 30 attendees will receive a special gift bag with skin cancer promotional materials.

All attendees will also qualify to enter a drawing for a gift basket. All specials gifts are provided courtesy of the Clark Township Health Department.

Pre-registration is required by calling the Union County Office of Health Management at 908-518-5620. Walk-ins will also be accepted if the schedule permits it.

Overexposure to the sun is a health risk for people of all ages and races. Before you head outdoors this summer, representatives from the Chronic Disease Coalition of Middlesex and Union Counties urge you to take sun safe precautions to protect your skin from the damaging rays of the sun.

People who work or play outdoors, fair skinned people who sunburn easily, and those with a family history of melanoma are at an increased risk of developing skin cancer – the most common form of cancer in the United States.

Overexposure to the sun’s UV rays is one of the most preventable risk factors for melanoma and all types of skin cancer. This is why it is so important to ‘choose your cover’ and reduce your risk accordingly.

Covering up your skin with long sleeve shirts and long pants in tightly woven fabrics can offer a great means of protection for your skin.

Opt for a wide-brimmed hat over a baseball cap for better protection of your head, ears and neck, and wear sunglasses with 100 percent UVA and UVB absorption to protect the eyes from sun damage.

Look for shady areas or avoid the sun, if possible, during the middle of the day when UV rays are the strongest.

Remember to liberally apply a broad spectrum sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher and reapply frequently, and steer clear of indoor tanning beds which are proven to increase your risk for skin cancer.

For more information about “Choose Your Cover” 2017, please call the Union County Office of Health Management at 908-518-5620.

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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.

As part of Chairman Bergen’s “UC HERO” initiative for 2017, the Union County Freeholder Board is proud to support our Veterans. Below please find information about cooking classes for Veterans at the VA in East Orange.

The Union County Summer Arts Festival Concert Series at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside on Wednesday evening, July 12 featuring the Fleetwood Mac tribute band Tusk will also showcase units from the Union County Sheriff’s Office.

Officers from the Crime Scene Unit will be making wanted posters for kids and Guardian Angel identification fingerprint cards for parents.

The Sheriff’s K-9 Search & Rescue Unit will give a demonstration.

Show time is scheduled for 7:30 pm.

Union County, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi reminds people seeking School Board positions in their municipality that the deadline for filing their nominating petitions is Monday, July 31, before 4:00 p.m. in the Office of the Union County Clerk, 2 Broad Street, Room 113, Elizabeth, NJ 07207.

“Service on a school board is an enriching experience,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “As a former board member, I encourage involvement in this important civic duty. Interested applicants should make note of the deadline.”

A petition can be obtained by calling 908-527-4996 or in person at the County Clerk’s Office, 2 Broad Street, Room 113, Elizabeth, NJ 07207. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.  Inquiries may also be submitted by email to lbobish@ucnj.org.

For complete details about school board petitions, including a downloadable Candidate Kit from the New Jersey School Boards Association, visit the County Clerk online at unioncountyvotes.com/candidate-petition.

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Visit the County Clerk’s new elections website, unioncountyvotes.com.

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