Category: Public Info

Featuring State Senator Nicholas P. Scutari, Freeholder Vice Chairman Al Mirabella, County Surrogate Jim LaCorte, UNICO representatives, Italian American ONE VOICE Coalition

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders announced that Union County’s 11th Annual Columbus Day Flag Raising event is set for Friday, Oct. 11th, at 1 p.m., on the steps of the historic Union County Courthouse. Senator Nicholas P. Scutari will be this year’s special guest speaker.

“We have a great program this year in honor of the achievements and contributions of Italian Americans,” said Freeholder Vice Chairman Alexander Mirabella, who is emceeing the program, and founded the flag raising event. “Italian Americans continue to make extraordinary contributions to the rich, diverse fabric of America.”

Speakers include:  State Senator Scutari; Union County Surrogate James S. LaCorte; Andre’ DiMino, Communications Director of the Italian American ONE VOICE Coalition; UNICO District X Governor Anthony Bengivenga,

UNICO is the nation’s largest Italian American service organization whose chapters and members engage in promoting and defending Italian culture and heritage, as well as providing scholarships, engaging in community service and other philanthropic endeavors.

UNICO District X and Plainfields’ UNICO work to organize and co-sponsor Union County’s Columbus Day event. The Italian American ONE VOICE Coalition is an Italian-American anti-bias organization formed of members nationwide that fights stereotypes, and promotes Columbus Day.

Italian-style refreshments and pastries will be served after the program in the historic Union County Courthouse. Parking (pay) is available in the Midtown area at the J. Christian Bollwage Parking deck at Elizabethtown Plaza and Caldwell Place. A second deck is Elizabeth’s Parking Deck No. 6 on Jefferson Avenue and Dickinson Street—the entrance is on Dickinson Street. In the event of rain, the event will be held in the Freeholder Chambers in the Union County Administration building.

The courthouse is located at 2 Broad St. in Elizabeth at the corner of Rahway Avenue.  

Union County Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski, Freeholder Angel G. Estrada and Freeholder Christopher Hudak joined Union County Public Safety Director Andrew Moran and Union County Police Chief Chris Debbie in congratulating Union County Police Lieutenant Raymond Berry, Sergeant Matthew Schaible and Sergeant Bernard Gerrity on their promotions during at a ceremony in Mountainside. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski and Freeholders Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded, Andrea Staten and Rebecca Williams joined Union County Deputy County Manager Amy Wagner, Union County Office of Veteran Services Coordinator Janna Williams (USAF), Union County Sheriff’s Captain George Kurz (USAF) and Michael Hrycak (LTC, USA, Ret.) at the 2^nd Annual Union County Networking Mixer for all military veterans and active duty personnel, their families, and veterans’ service providers at the Clubhouse at Galloping Hill Golf Course in Kenilworth.

The event was coordinated through the Union County Office of Veteran Services UC-HERO program. For more information about services contact the Office of Veteran Services Coordinator Janna Williams by phone at 908-527-4918, or email at jwilliams@ucnj.org. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites all residents to participate in a new survey about the different needs of individuals and families living in Union County. The new “Needs Assessment” survey will help Union County plan for service improvements ranging from recreation and the arts to education, housing, and health care.

“The new survey is a valuable part of the long term planning toolkit, and we encourage all residents to take a few moments to provide their insights,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “Practically everyone who lives in Union County either uses or could benefit from the wide range of public services provided through County government.”

The survey is voluntary, anonymous and confidential. Residents can access the survey online from now through Thursday, October 31, at the Union County Department of Human Services website, ucnj.org/dhs-survey.

The online survey is designed for use on all computers including smart phones, tablets, laptops, and desktops.

Residents who prefer to fill out the survey by hand can obtain a hard copy through the mail, from now through Thursday, October 31, by calling the Department of Human Services Action Line at 908-558-2288.

In the survey, participants can indicate if they need or use popular community services including arts, music, and sporting events, or seasonal festivals and other community celebrations. They can also indicate their use of many different individual services including parenting classes, mentoring, opportunities for volunteering, anger management, help in dealing with bias, legal assistance, affordable child care, early education, home delivered meals, and more.

The survey also focuses on areas related to health including insurance and affordable care, transportation to appointments (Paratransit), respite care, suicide prevention, home care, prevention education, people with special needs, domestic violence, substance abuse services and recovery support, access to Medicare/Medicaid, treatment for mental health, and hospice services.

In addition, residents using or needing educational services can indicate their use of tutoring and homework help, support for special needs students, GED classes, computer skills training, English as a second language, computer skills, trade schools, career development, and more.

Safety and financial security services covered by the survey include help with home energy costs and weatherization, repair costs, access for people with disabilities, rental assistance, assistance with mortgages and other issues involved in home ownership, tax guidance, homelessness prevention, and more.

Other services included in the survey involve neighborhood safety and quality of life, services for veterans, and more.

For additional information about the survey contact Karen Dinsmore, Assistant Director, Union County Department of Human Services, 908-527-4809 or kdinsmore@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.

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Union County’s annual public heritage event, “Four Centuries in a Weekend: A Journey through Union County’s History,” is back this year for another exciting weekend, taking place Saturday, October 19^th and Sunday, October 20^th from noon to 5:00 p.m.

Sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, with the cooperation of staff and volunteers at 35 house museums and historic sites, the two-day free event opens the doors to more than 370 years of history throughout the county.

“Four Centuries in a Weekend is a Union County tradition that allows residents and visitors to travel through time to learn about the rich history of how our county came to be,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “I encourage all to explore the historic sites that reside in our own backyards.”

Visitors will be able to stop by a beautifully restored mansion and church, Revolutionary War burial grounds, the county’s oldest railroad station, quaint house museums, special exhibitions, and more.

Some sites with special programs or events highlighting their rich history are:

• The Deserted Village of Feltville / Glenside Park in Berkeley Heights will offer children’s games, freshly pressed apple cider, and interpretive signage and opportunities to “meet” key people from Feltville/Glenside history.
• Dr. William Robinson Plantation-Museum in Clark explores the role of the U.S. servicemen and women, and the civilians who supported them, including: living history displays; a fully functioning 1919 Model T; Army Signal Corps tent with equipment, uniforms and weapons on display; and live USO shows throughout the weekend.
• Deacon Andrew Hetfield House in Mountainside will exhibit a miniature diorama of the local 1780 Revolutionary War Battle of Springfield. There will also be Guided tours of this house (circa 1760).
• Drake House Museum in Plainfield will provide tours of this historic site. Both days, 1 p.m. until 3:30 p.m.: Ensembles from the Plainfield Symphony Orchestra will play musical selections in the second-floor ballroom. Under the direction of Charles Prince, the PSO, New Jersey’s oldest community orchestra, is celebrating its 100th season.
• Roselle Park Museum in Roselle Park will be Exhibiting: From Science to Technology and Invention: Edison, Keurig, Marconi and new information on Nikola Tesla in Roselle Park; plus Inventors and Invention in Roselle Park. Lifetime member and iron worker Martin Kiernan will demonstrate his model of Tesla Coil, and provide information about how to make one.
• Caldwell Parsonage in Union will present a map exhibit featuring the 1860 Thomas Hughes farm map and zoning maps showing the town layout. Aerial photographs give a bird’s-eye view of the development of Route 22. A brief film made by Union High School History Club, shot in part using a drone, focusing on some of Union Township’s most significant landmarks will be shown. There will also be an appearance by “Rev. James Caldwell.”
• Donald M. Payne Vauxhall Meeting Center in Union will have displays highlighting the historic significance of the Vauxhall section of Union including: the 1780 Revolutionary War Battle of Springfield; Veterans from World War I to the present; and Land development in the Vauxhall area.
• Miller-Cory House Museum in Westfield will have open-hearth cooking demonstrations in the Frazee Building. On Saturday, museum cooks will also “fire up” the beehive oven, a laborious task requiring skill and experience. Sunday only: Presenters will discuss the Lenape tribe of Native Americans, explaining customs, beliefs, ceremonies, and displaying artifacts. Includes a fun and educational craft — children may make their own medicine pouch to take home. Gift shop offers a wide array of items.
• Reeve History & Cultural Resource Center in Westfield will provide Guided tours of this beautiful, Italianate Victorian house. There will also be an exhibit highlighting the life and career of Charles Addams, the cartoonist, who called Westfield his home; plus other exhibits and artwork.
• Nokia Bell Labs in New Providence/Murray Hill, visitors can visit the on Campus Museum from noon until 5:00 p.m. on Saturday only.

Children can earn a Time Traveler’s Certificate and a Four Centuries Patch by visiting and obtaining a Time Traveler Passport at any of the sites, having it stamped and returning the completed form to the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs.

This program is funded in part by a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a Division of Cultural Affairs in the Department of State.

For free copies of the Four Centuries in a Weekend tour booklet, map and further information, call 908-558-2550 weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., NJ Relay Users dial 711, or e-mail: culturalinfo@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.

 

 

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is proud to welcome more than twenty LGBTQ health and wellness providers to the first Union County LGBTQ+ Community Health and Wellness Fair, presented in partnership with WellCare Health Plans on Saturday, October 5, 2019 at Union County College (1033 Springfield Ave, Cranford) from 12 noon until 4:00 PM. All are welcome. Admission and parking is free.

“The LGBTQ community is diverse with specific health needs and challenges, of which a safe and supportive environment is often a barrier to access,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “The Freeholder Board is proud to partner with WellCare Health Plans to host the first health and wellness fair for the LGBTQ community, friends and family.”

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people often face numerous barriers in accessing health and wellness services and programs. Union County’s inclusive, educational and interactive health and wellness event for the LGBTQ community will offer a variety of medical screenings, presentations, fitness and personal care demos.

More than twenty LGBTQ health and wellness providers will offer support resources and information for LGBTQ youth, parents, teachers, caregivers and allies. Registered health and wellness providers include:

CASA of Union County, Inc.

Garden State Equality

Hetrick-Martin Institute: New Jersey

HiTOPS

Hyacinth AIDS Foundation

Iris House, Inc.

Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America

Planned Parenthood of Northern, Central, & Southern NJ

Prevention Links

P.R.O.C.E.ED. Inc.

Rutgers NJ Medical School

Union County Division of Health

Union County Dept of Human Services and Division of Youth Services

WellCare Health Plans, Inc.

YWCA Union County

In addition, the event will feature educational wellness presentations that cover important topics that affect the health and wellness of LGBTQ individuals including HIV awareness, being an ally parent or teacher, understanding domestic violence in the LGBTQ community, emergency preparedness and more.

Free interactive demonstrations will include a fitness demo by NFL star and former NY Giants player Raheem Orr Sr., as well as makeup and cosmetic advice by a representative of Bobbie Brown Cosmetics, barber cuts by Shear Ambition, Child IDs by the Union County Sheriff’s Office, and so much more.

HIV/AIDS, STD and other basic clinical testing will be available on site throughout the event.

In addition, Community Coordinated Child Care will host an interactive children’s section dedicated to offering development assessments for children up to the age of 5.

“Enhancing efforts to improve LGBTQ health and wellness is necessary to ensure that LGBTQ individuals can lead long, healthy lives,” said Freeholder Rebecca Williams, liaison to the LGBTQ Ad Hoc Committee. “The LGBTQ+ Health and Wellness Fair brings together LGBTQ-affirming health and wellness providers from throughout the State of New Jersey to offer individuals the opportunity to engage in their personal health and wellness in a safe and inclusive environment.”

Organized by WellCare Health Plans, the Office of LGBTQ Affairs and the Division of Heath, with support from Union County College, the Union County LGBTQ+ Community Health & Wellness Fair represents the Freeholder Board’s commitment to supporting a strong and healthy community and is part of our ongoing effort to provide a safe space for the LGBTQ community to access basic health screenings and important information.

Union County’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs, under the Department of Economic Development, was established by the Freeholder Board in 2018 and is the first and only county government office of its kind in the State of New Jersey.

The 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.

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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, NJ — The Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs is pleased to announce that five artists from Union County have been selected as award winners in the State’s 53^rd Annual New Jersey Senior Art Show. The winning artists from Union County are:

• John Curch (Scotch Plains) – 1st Place, Watercolor by a Professional artist, for his painting It Was a Good Ride
• Nicholas Florio (Roselle Park) – 2nd place, Pastel by a Non-Professional artist, for his work First Responder
• Jarrett Goldberg (Springfield) – 3rd place, Sculpture by a Professional artist, for her work The Wall
• Rosanne Snarski (Springfield) – 3rd place, Watercolor by a Non-Professional artist, for her painting Central Park Boaters
• Ron Brown (Cranford) – Honorable Mention, Sculpture by a Non-Professional artist, for his work Brewing a Polyhedron Still Life – No Squares Required

“Union County has many talented artists so it is not surprising that so many great pieces of art were part of this year’s Senior Citizen Art Show,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “The Freeholder Board congratulates all the winners and displaying artists for their hard work.”

The show, featuring almost 300 pieces of artwork, is currently on display in the main building of Meadow Lakes Senior Living, located at 300 Meadow Lakes in East Windsor. It will remain on display and open to the public Monday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., through October 24, 2019. The public can view the show, free of charge, during viewing hours. Groups of 6 or more must contact Meadow Lakes in advance by calling 609-448-4100.

This year’s exhibiting artists range in age from 60 to 101. Artwork in eleven categories is represented and is submitted by professional and amateur artists alike. A panel of three art experts juried the show. The New Jersey Senior Art Show is the culmination of a year of county-based Senior Citizen Art Shows held throughout the state. The work on display includes winners from each county. The artwork of 18 first place Union County artists will be on display.

The annual exhibit is co-sponsored by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and Mercer County’s Division of Culture & Heritage, with additional support from Meadow Lakes and the New Jersey Association of Area Agencies on Aging.

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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, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi reminds Union County residents who are not registered to vote that they have until Tuesday, October 15 to register in time for the upcoming General Election and School Board Election on November 5.

Voters can request a registration form through the County Clerk’s elections website, unioncountyvotes.com, or through the free Union County Votes mobile app.

Voters who need a Vote-by-Mail ballot can also use the County Clerk’s elections website or mobile app to request a Vote-By-Mail application form.

In addition, the Union County Board of Elections will be open on Tuesday, October 15 from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. for any voter who would like to register to vote in person. The office is located at 271 North Broad Street in Elizabeth.

Voters can call the Union County Board of Elections at 908-527-4123 to request a registration form or to get assistance with any other question about voting. Each municipal clerk’s office also has voter registration forms available.

To register, a voter must be a citizen of the United States and at least 18 years old by Election Day. They must not be serving a sentence, probation, or parole because of a felony conviction, and they must be a resident of New Jersey and Union County for at least 30 days.

For more information about all County Clerk programs and services, visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.

 

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The Union County Freeholder Board is pleased to present a special lecture on the life of Admiral William F. Halsey—an Elizabeth native—and one of America’s greatest war leaders.

This event will be held at the Admiral William F. Halsey Junior Health and Public Safety Academy, located at 641 South Street in Elizabeth, on October 30^th starting at 6:00 p.m.  The presentation, which occurs on Halsey’s birthday—137 years ago, is free of charge and open to the public.

“Admiral Halsey is one of Union County’s most distinguished, historic figures,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “The Freeholder Board is pleased to support this special event for our residents as part of our commitment in providing educational programming of cultural and historic value.”

Admiral Halsey (who was given the nickname “Bull”) was born and raised in Elizabeth, and is considered by most as the most famous naval officer of World War II. He met many operational challenges of the battle at sea against Japan with effective carrier strikes early in the war. His greatest contribution to the Allied victory was as the victorious commander of the combined sea, air, and land forces in the South Pacific during the long slog up the Solomon Islands chain. Halsey was a key leader of America’s Pacific war effort at a time when its outcome was far from certain. 

The lecture will be conducted by Thomas Alexander Hughes, a biographer of Admiral Halsey.  Dr. Hughes is an Academic Dean and Associate professor at the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies in Alabama.  Dr. Hughes’ book, Admiral Bill Halsey: A Naval Life traces the life of Admiral William Halsey from his early beginnings in Elizabeth through his remarkable record of service in the United States Navy.

This lecture is sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders through the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs in the 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 quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities visit The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connect.

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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.

County residents seeking an active and fun community service opportunity are invited to join the Rutgers Master Gardeners of Union County community volunteer program. No previous experience with gardening is required. All Master Gardeners are trained and certified by Rutgers experts.

Applications for the 32nd annual Master Gardner class training series in Union County are now being accepted. Classes begin on October 15 and go until the end of May 2020.

“The Master Gardeners program provides both seasoned gardeners and beginners with the chance to serve their community while expanding their knowledge of gardening,” said Union County Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “The Freeholder Board is proud to support our Master Gardeners who have touched the lives of countless Union County residents throughout the years.”

The mission of the Master Gardeners is to share knowledge, experience, and love of gardening through community activities including neighborhood garden and beautification projects, education, and outreach to seniors and the disabled.

In return for the training, Master Gardeners are involved with many outreach activities.  They maintain a 1.5 acre demonstration garden at Trailside in the Watchung Reservation.  Master Gardeners raise vegetables, herbs and small fruit in the garden for donation to local food pantries.  Master Gardeners offer educational programs for school groups and tours for community organizations at the demonstration garden.  Other services are a Garden Helpline, which residents can call or email for gardening advice, at (908) 654-9852 and mastergardeners@ucnj.org. 

The Master Gardeners program is run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County. It is supported by the Freeholder Board as part of a national county-based community agriculture program under the umbrella of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Extension offices are located in the County’s Colleen Fraser Building in Westfield, and the Demonstration Garden is located in the County’s Watchung Reservation near the Trailside Nature and Science Center.

A $200 materials fee will be due upon acceptance to the program which covers all textbooks, notebooks and class materials. Trainees commit to at least 6 hours of volunteer service before training is completed, and a total of 60 hours of service over a period of 12 to 18 months.

To obtain a Master Gardeners application and more information on all programs of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, visit the Rutgers University Master Gardener Application Site. Questions can be directed to the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County by calling (908) 654-9854, Ext. 2 or Ext. 4. 

For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities, visit The Green Connection online at ucnj.org/green-connection.