County of UnionDefault category for all normal press releases
Union County Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski reads to Mrs. Kalyn’s 2nd grade class at School No. 10 in Linden as part of the annual Read Across America celebration. Read Across America is a reading motivation and awareness program that calls for every child in every community to celebrate reading in honor of the birthday of children’s author Dr. Seuss. (Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union)
MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce a series of Trailside Talks and a Teacher Training Workshop for adults as part of its winter educational programs at the Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside. A new online registration system designed to make access to our Parks and Recreation services easy and convenient has been adopted. Register online at www.ucnj.org/trailside and create an account and password. Pre-registration is recommended. Walk-ins are welcome as space permits.
“Trailside is a great destination throughout the year and these educational programs provide the perfect opportunity to experience nature in winter,” notes Freeholder Chairman, Bruce H. Bergen.
On Tuesday, March 14 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., The American Historical Theatre offers a compelling theatrical re-enactment, made possible in part by the New Jersey Council for the Humanities. “Theodore Roosevelt: American in the Arena” recreates the time when President McKinley was assassinated in 1901, and Vice President Theodore Roosevelt bounded into Washington, D. C as the youngest President in history. His vigorous persona helped catapult the U.S. into the new century. His accomplishments were plentiful and diverse: War hero to Nobel Peace Prize winner, naturalist to imperialist. This is a free program, donations are appreciated.
An early spring lecture entitled, “Public Gardens of New Jersey,” is planned for Tuesday March 21, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. This power point tour of more than 20 public gardens in New Jersey, is an inviting glimpse into the Garden State Gardens Consortium. Michael Gross, Director of the Sister Mary Grace Burns Arboretum, offers commentary on each garden, covering their location, history, highlights of their plant collections and featured programs. The gardens in the consortium include former estates, national historic landmarks, county and municipal parks, museums and universities. The fee is $10 for Union County residents and $12 for out of county residents.
In addition, a special program of interest for bird lovers entitled “The World of Birds Around Us” is offered for families on Saturday, March 25 from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. Pete Bacinski, a retired NJ Audubon Birds Program Director, introduces his audience to the world of backyard birds here in New Jersey, and explains how you get hooked on bird watching, along with its benefits and challenges. A power point presentation illustrates the variety and beauty of our local avian population. The program is recommended for adults with children ages 10 and older. The fee is $10 for Union County residents and $12 for out of county residents.
“Healthy Water, Healthy People,” a teacher training workshop will be offered on Thursday, March 9 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The workshop encourages the investigation of the connections between water quality, the environment and human health. This advanced workshop is best suited for educators teaching grades 6 -12, who have taken a Project WET workshop and who have basic water chemistry background. Participants receive six NJDOE professional development credits. Morning refreshments are provided. Bring lunch. This program is for adults 18 years and older. The fee is $20 and the curriculum guide is included.
For more information about these programs or other activities at Trailside, please call 908-789-3670 or visit www.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.
Photo caption (photo attached): Adults with children ages ten and older are invited to join Pete Bacinski, a retired NJ Audubon Birds Program Director, for “The World of Birds” offered on Saturday, March 25 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. at Trailside Nature and Science Center. As part of the winter “Trailside Talks,” participants can find out how to get hooked on bird watching and discover the benefits and challenges of this favorite pastime. Enjoy learning to identify birds, like this cedar waxwing photographed by Ron Nastasi of Toms River, and discover the variety and beauty of our local avian population. The fee for this program is $10 for Union County residents and $12 for out of county residents. A new online registration system designed to make access to our Parks and Recreation services easy and convenient has been adopted. Register online at www.ucnj.org/trailside and create an account and password. Pre-registration is recommended. Walk-ins are welcome as space permits. For more information about these programs or other activities at Trailside, please call 908-789-3670. 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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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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Full and part-time Jobs in transportation, environmental and restaurant industries
The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that restaurant, environmental and transportation companies in Union County are holding information sessions at the County Workforce Innovation Business Center for 60 full time and part time job openings for County residents. The jobs range in salary up to $27 an hour.
The three companies who are seeking to hire are: ACV Enviro, an environmental contracting company; Sonic drive-in restaurant, and CPC Logistics, a transportation company.
“We thank the companies who are involved for working with us to hire County residents,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “If you are an employer, I encourage you to get in touch with the Workforce Innovation Business Center, and let our experienced staff help you find the right people for the right jobs.”
“The Workforce Innovation Business Center is an economic engine for Union County, helping to match local employers with qualified job seekers,” said Freeholder Vice Chairman Sergio Granados, who is also the Freeholder Liaison to Workforce Development Board, which oversees operations. “Our investment in the Center has continued to pay off in ongoing job offerings for County residents. We have made a promise to look at new ways to provide greater job opportunities and we are doing it.”
During the past two years, the Workforce Innovation Business Center has partnered with local employers seeking to hire well over 2,000 residents for new jobs.
The Workforce Innovation Business Center is at the Mills at Jersey Gardens Mall, 651 Kapkowski Road, Elizabeth, NJ. The phone number is 908-355-4444. The details for the information sessions for the three companies that are seeking to hire are as follows:
Goal of program to stimulate public project of economic, transportation, social and governmental importance to local municipalities
The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders today announced that applications have been sent out to all 21 municipalities in the County announcing the 2017 Union County Infrastructure and Municipal Aid grant program, designed to stimulate the development of projects of economic, social, transportation and governmental importance to local municipalities.
The matching grant initiative will make available a total of $1.5 million to Union County’s 21 municipalities to assist them in accomplishing tasks undertaken in calendar year 2017. The funding for the grant is provided through the proceeds from the sale of Runnells Specialized Hospital.
“Our goal is to provide an economic boost to our municipalities in an area where State and Federal assistance has been receding in recent years,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “At the same time, this will stimulate some development and much needed transportation projects while providing an important boost to municipal efforts.”
The Infrastructure program was developed as an initiative of Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak in 2014.
“The end result will be quality of life improvements that continue to make Union County one of the highest-rated places to live in the nation,” said Freeholder Hudak.
Each of the twenty-one municipalities may apply for one or more projects. Projects must be current initiatives, and all funding awarded must be expended by December 31, 2017 . Applications are due by April 1st.
Municipalities receiving the application and who have questions should contact Kathy Addessa, the Department of Economic Development at 908-527-4087
Union County, NJ – The Union County Commission on the Status of Women is pleased to announce the 10 recipients of the 2017 Women of Excellence Awards. The awardees will be honored at the 25th annual Women of Excellence dinner on Friday March 24, 6:30 p.m. at the Clubhouse at Union County’s Galloping Hill Golf Course, 3 Golf Drive in Kenilworth.
“All are invited to join with us in this annual celebration of the many contributions that women make to the quality of life in Union County,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “Together, our ten awardees demonstrate that women’s leadership and advocacy plays an essential role throughout the Union County community.”
The Commission on the Status of Women is sponsored by The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. Each year, awards are given in different fields including education, health care, the arts, government, business, law, community service, technology, humanitarianism, public service, women’s advocacy, and lifetime achievement.
“The whole community is uplifted when we recognize the deep reservoir of talent among women in Union County, and work to ensure that each one has the opportunity to exercise her full potential,” said Freeholder Vernell Wright, who is the Board’s liaison to the Commission on the Status of Women.
Residents of Union County and out-of-county residents who are active in Union County affairs are eligible for the award.
The honorees for 2016 are:
Arielle Cassidy of Garwood ( Health and Wellness)
Sally Curci of Cranford (Special Needs Advocate)
Maria C. Del Cid of Union (Government)
Terri L. Freeman, Esq. of Westfield (Law)
Amy B. Herber of Westfield (Lifetime/Education)
Marianne Kranz of Fanwood (Volunteerism)
Dr. Nell Maloney-Patel of Westfield (Medicine)
Kelly Rieder of Rahway (Law Enforcement)
Nakera Sherman of Plainfield (Children’s Advocacy)
Ruth Yablonsky of Cranford (Environmentalist)
Tickets for the Women of Excellence awards dinner may be purchased at $50 per person.
Checks may be made payable to UCCSW and mailed to:
Ms. Carol Lombardo
275 Fourth Avenue
Garwood, NJ 07207
Tickets must be purchased by March 10.
For additional details contact Ms. Lombardo at 789-0508 or bkwrm148@hotmail.com.
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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 — Union County residents seeking information about services for seniors age 60 and older can attend any of six Aging Services Kiosk (ASK) events in March to speak with experienced staff from the county’s Department of Human Services, Division on Aging.
The ASK events will be held in Clark, Westfield, Fanwood, Mountainside, Linden, and Union.
“ASK is a popular program that helps Union County residents find programs and services for seniors and their caregivers,” said Bruce H. Bergen, Chairman of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. “The ASK program brings our knowledgeable, experienced Division on Aging staff to convenient locations throughout Union County.”
The Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection is based in Elizabeth. The ASK community outreach program provides for members of the staff to travel throughout Union County to help connect residents with information about services such as home delivered meals, respite care, home care, adult day care and support services for caregivers.
The ASK program also enables residents to obtain assistance with completing applications and forms at convenient locations.
The March 2017 dates and locations will be:
Wednesday, March 8
Linden Public Library
31 E. Henry Street
Linden, 07036
10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Friday, March 10
Mountainside Municipal Building
1385 Route 22 East
Mountainside, 07092
11:30 am to 1:30 pm
Monday, March 13
Clark Public Library
303 Westfield Avenue
Clark, 07066
10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Thursday, March 16
Westfield Community Center
558 West Broad Street
Westfield 07090
10:30 am to 12:30 pm
Tuesday, March 21
Union Public Library
1980 Morris Avenue
Union, 07083
12:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Wednesday, March 22
Fanwood Public Library
5 Forest Road
Fanwood, 07023
10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Thursday, March 23
Berkeley Heights Public Library
290 Plainfield Avenue
Berkeley Heights, 07922
10:00 am to 12:00 pm
All Union County residents are welcome to attend any of these ASK events.
The mission of the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection 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 ADRC model, a state initiative that Union County has embraced since 2012, is designed to improve service for seniors and the disabled,” said Chairman Bergen. “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 or visit the Union County government website at www.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.
The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that a free springtime training course is available for persons interested in becoming Confidential Sexual Violence Advocates (CSVAs) for victims of sexual violence.
The training course qualifies volunteers to answer calls and offer in-person support through the Rape Crisis Center (RCC), a long-running program of the Union County Department of Human Services. The RCC has provided reliable, confidential guidance to victims of sexual violence since 1984.
“Sexual violence impacts not only the victim, but also those surrounding them. Our volunteer Advocates help restore a sense of community and self-worth to Union County residents facing a life crisis. The Freeholder Board is extremely proud of these volunteers, who provide a valuable service to individuals in need,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “If you are looking for a worthwhile volunteer activity, I urge you to contact the Rape Crisis Center about the upcoming training program.”
The next training course will begin on Tuesday evening, April 4th, and continue for 16 sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., until May 25th. The course provides volunteers with training in crisis counseling and medical/legal accompaniment in a supportive, empathetic environment.
The training will take place at the RCC office in Westfield located within the Colleen Fraser county services building, 300 North Avenue East.
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. Prior to training, each volunteer will come to the RCC office for an informal interview.
To find out more about volunteering and to schedule an interview, please call the RCC at 908-233-7273. For more information about the RCC, including personal stories by volunteers, visit the RCC blog at unioncountyrapecrisiscenter.blogspot.com.
ELIZABETH, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites art and history fans to attend Union County’s first “History Paint Night Social” event.
Participants will be provided with materials and artistic instruction for painting a historical scene from the Union County area, which they will be able to bring home. No experience is necessary.
“This event offers a chance for people to learn about Union County history and basic painting techniques in an enjoyable social setting,” said Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, liaison to the Cultural and Heritage Programs Advisory Board. “Snyder Academy is a great place for both art and history, and I know the participants will learn a lot and have fun in the process.”
The History Paint Night Social will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 28, at the historic Snyder Academy in Elizabeth, where one America’s Founding Fathers, Alexander Hamilton, attended school.
Participants may bring wine and snacks for their enjoyment.
The instructor for the evening event will be Rafael Rodriguez, the Artist in Residence at the Snyder Academy.
Admission to the History Paint Night Social is on a first-come, first-served basis. Space is limited, and pre-registration is encouraged. A of $20.00 per participant includes all materials.
To register or to receive more information, call the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 908-436-2912, or email jprescott@ucnj.org.
History Paint Night Social is sponsored by the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs in the Department of Parks and Recreation. Funding for this program is made available through the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State.
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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 Freeholder Vice Chairman Sergio Granados and Freeholders Bette Jane Kowalski, Linda Carter and Alexander Mirabella presented the Chester Holmes Humanitarian Award to Freeholder Vernell Wright during the Union County 2017 Black History Month Celebration at UCPAC in Rahway. The Freeholder Board created the award in honor of the late former Freeholder Chester Holmes. They were joined by family members of Freeholders Wright and Holmes. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)