Category: Public Info

Free virtual story and discussion program runs all year, from March 10 to December 8.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to announce the 2021 OUT in Union County: Queer Empowerment Hour series with host Micayla Mirabella. The free virtual series, organized by the Union County Office of LGBTQ Affairs, begins on Wednesday, March 10 and runs through December 8, 2021. Each conversation will be held on the second Wednesday of each month and each hour-long session will begin at 7:00 pm.

“The County of Union stands with the LGBTQ+ community and strives to promote advocacy, awareness and action,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The Board of County Commissioners is proud to host this series and many others like this that can help to normalize acceptance. We are proud to be one of the most diverse counties in New Jersey and this series will educate and expand the understanding of our diversity.”

The OUT in Union County: Queer Empowerment Hour series will explore LGBTQ+ specific topics and offer stories and discussions involving queer folks from different backgrounds and experiences, in an hour-long format that includes some of New Jersey’s most dedicated LGBTQ+ advocates, community leaders, and allies.

Registration is required to join the Zoom session or watch live on the County of Union, New Jersey Facebook page. The schedule and registration links can be found at ucnj.org/lgbtq

“Efforts like this are essential in uncertain times to give LGBTQ+ folks comfort and a sense of community,” said Commissioner Vice Chair Rebecca Williams, who is liaison to the Commissioner Board’s LGBTQ+ Ad Hoc Committee. “Giving LGBTQ+ people and allies educational resources through innovative programming can positively affect the community around us online from the safety of our own homes.”

The schedule of sessions is as follows:

• Wednesday, March 10: Youth & Bullying (the effects of bullying on LGBTQ+ youth)
• Wednesday, April 14: The “+” in LGBTQ+ (learn more about different identities)
• Wednesday, May 12: Mental Health (mental health professionals discuss LGBTQ+ issues)
• Wednesday, June 9: The History of PRIDE (how Pride came to be & where we are now)
• Wednesday, July 14, Love Makes a Family (hear from people all of different family structures)
• Wednesday, August 11: LGBTQ+ Elders (get to know the experiences from multiple generations)
• Wednesday, September 8: Faith & LGBTQ+ (queer inclusion throughout different houses of worship)
• Wednesday, October 13: Coming Out (celebrate coming out & share experiences)
• Wednesday, November 10: Trans Youth (learn how to be an ally to transgender & nonbinary youth)
• Wednesday, December 8: Queer Sex Ed (healthcare & STI prevention/awareness)

The Union County Office of LGBTQ Affairs provides a platform for leadership and collaboration to support equality, and serves as a catalyst for advocacy, awareness and action on current and emerging issues that impact the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals.

For more information about the Office of LGBTQ Affairs, contact Danni Newbury, Coordinator, at 908-527-4742 or dnewbury@ucnj.org or visit ucnj.org/lgbtq.

For more information and updates on all Union County services and resources during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, the new Union County COVID-19 website at ucnj.org/covid19. For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

#  #

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.

Rene H. Rasheed of Roselle has received Union County’s 9^th annual Chester Holmes Humanitarian award honoring those who exemplify the spirit of community service.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Commissioners is pleased to invite the public to attend a Black History Month celebration on Sunday, February 28, beginning at 6:00 p.m. The free online event highlights the presentation of the annual Chester Holmes Humanitarian Award, along with musical performances.

This year’s Chester Holmes award is presented to Roselle resident and business owner Rene H. Rasheed, owner of Rene’s Fashion Designs Boutique. Ms. Rasheed has lived in Roselle for 38 years and has run her boutique for 20 years while garnering numerous accolades for her civic involvement as well as her business.

“Rene Rasheed embodies the essence of the Chester Holmes Humanitarian Award. As a dedicated business woman and community leader, she demonstrates how one person can make a difference in so many lives, in her home town of Roselle and beyond,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“Ms. Rasheed has been recognized for her community contributions with the NAACP Role Model Award and the National Council of Negro Women Founders Award among many others, and we are all very proud to honor her as Union County’s own home town hero through the Chester Holmes award,” said Vice Chair Rebecca L. Williams.

“As a fellow Roselle resident, I have seen first-hand the positive and far-reaching role that Rene Rasheed has played in our community, always leading through kindness and strength. As Chester Holmes was known for his careful attention to style, it is all the more fitting to honor Rene – Roselle’s own Queen of Fashion – with this award in his name,” said Commissioner Andrea Staten.

“As we celebrate the Black history makers of the past, it important to also recognize and celebrate those who are making their mark today on our community, and on our country. Ms. Rasheed is an inspiring leader who has inspired and nurtured the next generation of Black history makers, and it is a real honor to recognize her with the Chester Holmes award, said Commissioner Angela G. Garretson.

The awards ceremony will begin with opening remarks by Vice Chairman Williams and an introduction of the Chester Holmes award by Chairman Mirabella, followed by a 30-minute prerecorded performance by violinist Priya DeBerry, who will be introduced by Commissioner Staten. To close out the evening, Commissioner Staten will introduce a one-hour prerecorded performance by Valarie Adams & the Dimension Band

The event is free and can be viewed online on the Union County Facebook page and Zoom. To join on Zoom, register at bit.ly/bhmclosing.

The Board of Commissioners established the Chester Holmes Award in 2012, in honor of the former County Commissioner and Rahway resident Chester Holmes, who passed away in December of that year. An accomplished civic leader who loved the Union County community, Mr. Holmes was a former police officer, community volunteer and member of the Army National Guard.  He was the owner of his own company, Holmes Security, and a former Rahway Councilman.

Priya DeBerry seamlessly blends Gospel, Hip-Hop, and R&B into a unique, expressive style, raising the emotional level of special occasions and creating lasting memories through sound.

Valarie Adams & the Dimension Band broke onto the scene several years ago and quickly established themselves as top notch talent, known for their energy, spirited dance party vibe and extensive repertoire of classics and originals.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

##

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, NJ – The Union County Board of Commissioners invites families to join Sensory Friendly Bedtime Story, a special online celebration of this year’s Read Across America event hosted by the Office for Persons with Disabilities & Special Needs.

“Read Across America is a wonderful program that engages children all over the country, and with this special online program we hope to ensure that children with special needs and disabilities can participate in this nationwide celebration of the joys of reading,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

The Sensory Friendly Bedtime Story program, which is being held on Tuesday, March 2, is an inclusive bedtime story program for ages 12 and under featuring guest readers including Board of Commissioners Vice Chair Rebecca L. Williams, Commissioner Sergio Granados, Commissioner Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded, Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski, Assemblywoman Linda Carter, Human Services Director Debbie-Ann Anderson, and Sheriff Officer Victoria Smith.

The event will be an hour long, starting at 7:30pm.

To join the “Sensory Friendly Bedtime Story” on GotoMeeting, register at ucnj.org/opdsn-reg. Registration is required to receive the link to the program.

In addition to the Sensory Friendly Bedtime Story program, the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs also hosts a Virtual Saturday Series and free virtual yoga, karate, and craft programs through GoToMeeting. To register, visit ucnj.org/opdsn-reg. Please note that space is limited and programs fill up quickly.

The Office for Persons with Disabilities & Special Needs is a unit under the Union County Department of Human Services. For more information about Sensory Friendly Bedtime and other programs, contact Nicole DeAugustine, Program Coordinator, at 908-527-4781 or ndeaugustine@ucnj.org.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

##

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.

Popular series returns to Watchung Reservation in March; masks and social distance required for COVID-19 prevention.

Union County, NJ – Weather permitting, Union County’s free series of guided nature walks for seniors age 55 and up will resume beginning at 11:00 on Wednesday, March 3, at the Trailside Nature and Science Center in the Watchung Reservation, located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside.

The series takes place on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., mainly on the Sensory Friendly Trail, a 0.3 mile ADA accessible loop located on the grounds of Trailside.

“Union County’s parks provide thousands of residents and visitors with a chance to enjoy and learn about our natural heritage every year, and they are more important now than ever,” said Union County Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The guided walks offer an ideal opportunity for senior residents to spend time outdoors in a community setting, and we will be ready to go as soon as the weather clears up.”

Each walk is led by a Trailside naturalist and highlights a different topic, including Maple Sugaring, Backyard Birds, a Deserted Village Walk, an Early Spring Walk and Early Spring Wildflowers.

The series is open to participants age 55 and older. The walks will be held in small groups in order to facilitate social distancing.

The Sensory Friendly Trail first opened in 2018 and has quickly become a popular destination. It winds gently through the woods with guide ropes and features multiple interpretive signs to learn about the local flora and fauna, with 3-D reliefs and Braille for the visually impaired. It also includes audio kiosks highlighting the natural and human history of the Watchung Reservation, the largest preserved park in Union County at 2,142 acres.

The senior walk series is free but pre-registration is required through the Trailside website, ucnj.org/trailside (use the “Online Registration” link in the left-hand column).

In–person activities in Union County parks are limited during the COVID-19 outbreak in accordance with statewide public health guidelines, and Trailside is closed to the public until further notice.

For more information about the guided walks for seniors, online nature activities and other activities for families and children hosted by Trailside, please visit ucnj.org/trailside or call 908-789-3670.

For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities, including online resources during the COVID-19 outbreak, visit The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connect.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

#  #

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.

Produce will be distributed on a first come-first served basis at drive-up event in Scotch Plains

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners will hold a food distribution event for Union County residents to aid those affected by COVID-19 on Saturday, February 27^th. A drive-up distribution will be held Saturday, February 27, beginning at 9:00 a.m. at Union County Vocational Technical School, located at 1776 Raritan Rd in Scotch Plains.

The food distribution is open to all Union County residents. Food will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and no registration is required. The event will take place rain or shine.

The food distribution is being coordinated by the County of Union with support from Village Super Market and Gargiulo Produce.

“Food distributions have become a lifeline for our residents during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We are proud to be able to continue providing this valuable resource to our residents.”

“During this time as residents face unprecedented levels of unemployment, housing issues and food insecurity, we are working hard to help everyone put food on their tables,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados who also serves as Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Board. “We thank Village Super Market and Gargiulo Produce for their partnership in this effort.”

Residents wishing to pick up food at Union County Vocational Technical School must arrive in a vehicle. Walk-ups will not be accommodated.

Upon arrival, proof of New Jersey residency and indicate how many people reside in their household will have to be provided. Recipients will receive an emergency containing non-perishable items and fresh produce, with enough to sustain a family for several days. Please note that only one box of food will be provided per vehicle.

This event will run in compliance with state COVID-19 orders, regarding social distancing and other protocols. All drive-up recipients must remain in their cars with windows rolled up at all times, otherwise masks are required. Food boxes will be placed in the trunk or truck bed of the vehicle by volunteers.

For questions and more information, residents may call the UCDHS Director’s Action Line at 888-845-3434 or 908-558-2288.

To learn more about Village Super Market, visit: https://www.myvillagesupermarket.com/.

To learn more about Gargiulo Produce, visit: http://www.gargiuloproduce.com.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for the free Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

#  #

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners is celebrating Black History Month with a series of virtual events highlighting the achievements and contributions of Black leaders in Union County and beyond. Coming up on February 26 is a special event honoring local chapters of the Divine Nine historically Black sororities and fraternities.

All events are open to the public and are presented online in accordance with COVID-19 safety rules.
“Today’s Black history makers are among us now, and the Board of Commissioners is very proud to highlight Union County residents who are — and will be — an important influence in our community for years to come,” said Union County Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“Black History Month brings a message of determination, resiliency, and achievement to the whole community, and we hope our celebration of Black history continues to resonate as we face new challenges and work towards a future of equal justice and equal opportunity for all,” said Vice Chair Rebecca L. Williams.

“This year’s celebration of Black History Month is all the more meaningful because 2021 marks the adoption of the new County Commissioner title in New Jersey history, following years of advocacy and collaboration to embark on a new era that recognizes and celebrates diversity. Those who value inclusion and equality can make new history together,” said Commissioner Angela R. Garretson.

“By recognizing the achievers of today we can continue to build on the progress won by the heroes of the past,” said Commissioner Andrea Staten. “We are all very proud to shine a light on leaders who make a difference in our community.”

On Friday, February 26, at 6:30 p.m., everyone is invited to join with local Divine Nine chapter representatives and members of the Union County Board of County Commissioners to honor the historically Black sororities and fraternities that shaped significant figures in Black history, including Vice President Kamala Harris.

During the Black & Divine Awards event, the Board of Commissioners will present awards honoring the role each organization has played in fostering public service, leadership, citizenship, brotherhood and sisterhood.

The Board of Commissioners also recognized the Divine Nine during Black History Month with a three-week series spotlighting three fraternities and sororities each week on social media:

February 5: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity
February 12: Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity
February 19: Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Iota Phi Theta Fraternity

To view the Black & Divine Awards event live on Zoom, register at bit.ly/blackanddivine.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

##

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, NJ — The Union County Board of Commissioners is pleased to celebrate Black History Month with a free, live performance of An Interview with Bessie Coleman, an exploration of the life and times of the first African-American woman to become a licensed airplane pilot and the first American to hold an international pilot license.

The interactive performance will be streamed live on Tuesday, February 23 at 7:00 p.m. on Zoom, featuring Board of Commissioners Vice Chair Rebecca L. Williams as the special guest interviewer.

Bessie Coleman was raised on a farm and her early education took place in a one-room schoolhouse. Denied pilot training by American schools, she traveled to France to realize a lifelong dream and make her mark in the early years of aviation history.

An Interview with Bessie Coleman is presented by the acclaimed historical interpreter, actress, educator and writer Dr. Daisy Century. Dressed in an authentic bomber’s jacket, boots and scarf, Dr. Daisy Century as Bessie Coleman is an exciting portrayal of a beautiful, determined woman who knew what she wanted and made it happen.

To view An Interview with Bessie Coleman and participate on Zoom, pre-register by clicking here. The event will also be available as a livestream on Union County’s Facebook Page.

An Interview with Bessie Coleman is organized through the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs in the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation, and is funded in part by a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a Division of Cultural Affairs in the Department of State.

For more information on all programs of the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs call (908) 558-2550, email culturalinfo@ucjnj.org, or visit online at https://ucnj.org/cultural.

#  #

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 Commissioner Vice Chair Rebecca Williams and Commissioners Sergio Granados and Andrea Staten visited the COVID-19 Vaccination location in Plainfield, at Plainfield High School. This site opens once a week to better serve residents in the western end of the County.

Produce will be distributed on a first come-first served basis at drive-up event at Kean University.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Commissioners will hold a food distribution event for Union County residents to aid those affected by COVID-19 on Saturday, February 20th. A drive-up distribution will be held Saturday, February 20th, beginning at 9:00 a.m. at Kean University, located at 1000 Morris Ave in Union Township.

The food distribution is open to all Union County residents. Food will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and no registration is required. The event will take place rain or shine.

The food distribution is being coordinated by the County of Union with support from Village Supermarket and Gargiulo Produce.

“Union County’s emergency food distributions have become a lifeline for our residents during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said County Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We are proud to be able to continue providing this valuable resource to our residents”

“During this time as residents face unprecedented levels of unemployment, housing issues and food insecurity, we are working hard to help everyone put food on their tables,” said County Commissioner Sergio Granados who also serves as Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Board. “We thank Village Supermarket and Gargiulo Produce for their partnership in this effort.”

Residents wishing to pick up food must arrive in a vehicle. Walk-ups will not be accommodated.

Upon arrival, proof of New Jersey residency will have to be provided. Please note that only one box of food will be provided per vehicle.

This event will run in compliance with state COVID-19 orders, regarding social distancing and other protocols. All drive-up recipients must remain in their cars with windows rolled up at all times, otherwise masks are required. Food boxes will be placed in the trunk or truck bed of the vehicle by volunteers.

For questions and more information, residents may call the UCDHS Director’s Action Line at 888-845-3434 or 908-558-2288.

To learn more about the Village Super Market, visit: https://www.myvillagesupermarket.com.

To learn more about Gargiulo Produce, visit: http://www.gargiuloproduce.com.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

Union County, NJ –The Union County Board of Commissioners presents a new edition of the free Virtual Saturday Series for persons with disabilities and special needs, featuring interactive fun for the whole family. The next three events in the series will each run live on either Zoom or GoToMeeting for one hour, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00: a.m., every other Saturday morning on February 20, March 6, and March 20.

The Virtual Saturday Series is hosted by the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs.

“We introduced Virtual Saturdays last fall, to help special needs families continue to access entertaining and enriching programs during the COVID-19 outbreak,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We are very happy to bring it back by popular demand.”

The three upcoming events are:

• Saturday, February 20: Rizzo’s Wildlife World (on Zoom)
• Saturday, March 6: Cooking with Tony Bianchino (on GoToMeeting)
• Saturday, March 20:Magic with Simon Mandal (on Zoom)

Participation in the live, interactive series is free but pre-registration is required through Union County’s activity registration page at www.ucnj.org/opdsn-reg. Space is limited to 100 participants in each event.

Participants will receive their Zoom or GoToMeeting link a few days in advance of each event

A free recording of each event in the series will also be available to those who are unable to participate in the live event. To join the mailing list for recordings, contact Nicole DeAugustine at the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs, ndeaugustine@ucnj.org.

In addition to the Virtual Saturday Series, the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs also hosts free virtual yoga, karate, and craft programs through GoToMeeting. To register visit ucnj.org/opdsn-reg. Please note that space is limited and programs fill up quickly.

The Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs is a division of the Union County Department of Human Services. For more information on all programs and services of the Office, visit online at ucnj.org/departments/human-services/opdsn.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

##

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.