Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ – The Union County Freeholder Board is proud to announce that former United Nations Ambassador from El Salvador, Mr. Carlos Garcia, will be the featured keynote speaker at the Hispanic Heritage Month event, “Sharing International Cultures.” This event will take place on Wednesday, October 2 at 10:00 a.m. at the Sidney F. Lessner Building at Union County College located at 12 West Jersey Street in Elizabeth.

This event is free and open to the public and is sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs as a part of the celebrations for Hispanic Heritage Month.  “Sharing International Cultures” will be comprised of a lecture by Ambassador Garcia and a question and answer session.

“The Freeholder Board is proud to sponsor another culturally rich and informative event as part of Union County’s celebration of Hispanic Heritage,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “We are honored to have Ambassador Garcia as a keynote speaker. I urge residents to join in what will surely be  a lively and interesting discussion.”

Before being appointed to the Permanent Mission of El Salvador to the United Nations on July 1, 1996, Ambassador Garcia served at Ministry of Foreign Affairs of El Salvador, San Salvador
as Director of Multilateral Affairs, and Chief of the Caribbean Affairs.

As of June 2019, he has been appointed as President & CEO of The Organization for Poverty Alleviation and Development (OPAD) at the United Nations, United States of America, Asia, and Latin America & the Caribbean. The Mission at OPAD is to mitigate the problems presented by poverty, promote positive climate change, and support international laws protecting humanitarian values across.

In August 2019, Ambassador Garcia was selected to be 2019 Grand Marshall of the Salvadoran Parade in New Jersey to be held on September 15, 2019 in New Jersey.

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 more information on all programs of the Office of Cultural and Heritage affairs, visit ucnj.org or contact John Prescott by email jprescott@ucnj.org or phone 908-436-2912.

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Union County Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski, Vice Chairman Alexander Mirabella and Freeholders Sergio Granados and Christopher Hudak joined Union County Sheriff Peter Corvelli, County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi, Union County Surrogate James LaCorte, Acting Prosecutor Lyndsay Ruotolo and Union County Manager Ed Oatman in welcoming Union County Undersheriff Amilcar Colon (SSgt. USMC Ret.) as the guest speaker at the Union County Prisoners of War/Missing in Action (POW/MIA) Remembrance Day ceremony in Elizabeth. Kenilworth VFW 2230 Commander Robert Jeans delivered the Invocation.

The annual event is sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders to honor and remember prisoners of war and those missing in action. The National POW/MIA Recognition Day is observed each year on the third Friday of September.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Elections is pleased to announce voter registration outreach events throughout the county in celebration of National Voter Registration Day, on Tuesday, September 24.  In addition, demonstrations of the new ExpressVote XL Voting Machine will be part of the voter registration event in some towns.

“Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy,” said Board of Elections Administrator Nicole DiRado. “I urge every eligible resident to register to vote and exercise your right to vote. Make sure your vote counts!”

Any Union County resident can attend any of the voter registration events on a walk-in basis. Trained, professional staff will be available to answer any questions and assist in the registration process.

“The new voting machines feature improved touch screens and they provide a paper trail, ensuring voters that their vote has been properly recorded,” said Union County Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski.

The locations and times on Tuesday, September 24 are:

• Clark Municipal Building – 430 Westfield Avenue, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm (the new voting machine will also be available for demonstrations)
• Rahway Library, 2 City Hall Plaza, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm (the new voting machine will also be available for demonstrations)
• Union Public Library, 1980 Morris Avenue, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
• Cranford Public Library, 224 Walnut Avenue, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
• Elizabeth Public Library (Main), 11 South Broad Street, 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
• Kenilworth Public Library, 548 Boulevard, 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
• Linden Public Library, 31 East Henry Street, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
• Plainfield Public Library, 800 Park Avenue, 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
• Scotch Plains Library, 1927 Bartle Avenue, 10:00am – 2:00pm
• Roselle Park Public Library, 404 Chestnut Street, 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm (the new voting machine will also be available for demonstration)
• Westfield Public Library, 550 East Broad Street, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

The League of Women Voters in the Union area will also be hosting an event at the Springfield Public Library, 66 Mountain Avenue, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

The voter registration deadline is October 15 for the November 5 General Election.  To register in New Jersey, residents must be:

·   A United States citizen

·   At least 17 years old (must turn 18 by Election Day)

·   A resident of the County for 30 days before the election

·   NOT currently serving a sentence, probation or parole due to a a felony conviction

Voter registration forms are available at, and can be delivered to, the offices of the Board of Elections, County Clerk, and any municipal clerk.

Voter registration forms can also be downloaded from the following sites:

• org/assets/pdf/forms-voter-registration (in English)
• org/assets/pdf/forms-voter-registration (in Spanish)
• com/register-to-vote

Postage is prepaid when the registration form is folded properly.

Voters who wish to vote by mail for Election Day on November 5, and in all future elections, can use an “opt in” option on the registration form to automatically receive vote-by-mail ballots.

The events in Rahway, Clark and Roselle Park will also feature demonstrations on the new ExpressVote XL Voting Machine, which will be fully deployed in Union County in the November 5^th General Election.

“The 2019 General Election marks the first time in 20 years that the entire County will be operating on an upgraded elections infrastructure,” explains Ms. DiRado.

“The new voting machines feature improved touch screens and they provide a paper trail, ensuring voters that their vote has been properly recorded,” said Union County Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski.

Voters in Clark, Cranford, Hillside, Linden, New Providence, Plainfield, Rahway, Roselle, Roselle Park, Scotch Plains, Springfield and Summit will use the new machines for the first time on Election Day, November 5.

Voters in Berkeley Heights, Elizabeth, Fanwood, Garwood, Kenilworth, Mountainside, Union and Winfield used the new machines for the 2019 Primary Election last June. Westfield will continue to use the new voting machines, following a successful pilot program last year.

For a complete schedule of all demonstrations sessions in September, October and the weekend before Election Day in November as well as an instructional video, visit the Board of Elections online at ucnj.org/ucboe.

For more information about the Union County Board of Elections visit ucnj.org/ucboe or call 908-527-4123.

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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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The Union County Freeholder Board joined with local baseball legend Jeff Torborg, his family, municipal officials from Mountainside and Westfield, the Union County Sheriff, and two youth baseball teams in dedicating the Jeff Torborg Youth Baseball field at the County’s Echo Lake Park in Mountainside.

Jeff Torborg, a native of Westfield and former resident of Mountainside for 30 years, was with his wife, Suzie and his sons, Dale and Greg and extended family to celebrate the occasion.

 “Suzie and I and our entire family are so very appreciative of all the efforts of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and their staff in creating this beautiful new Jeff Torborg Youth Baseball Field, which will provide a great place for kids to play for generations to come,” said Torborg. “When I first was told about this amazing tribute, I was literally speechless…this is a tremendous thrill for me and for my family. It is an honor to be recognized by my home county, which has been the site of events important to generations of my family.”

Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski who emceed the event said: “Jeff Torborg is one of the most accomplished ball players to ever come out of Union County. Jeff went on to achieve an impressive Major League baseball career, both as a player and manager, and is certainly worthy of today’s dedication.”

Freeholder Vice Chair Alexander Mirabella who introduced Torborg and presented him with a resolution honoring him with his colleagues, said: “We welcome you home today. We are pleased to name this field in your honor, and our hope is to inspire future generations of our younger county residents to follow in your path.”

The event also included tributes from Jim Iozzi, the President of the Union County Baseball Hall of Fame (whose organization previously inducted Torborg into their Hall of Fame), Jeff’s son Greg who read a letter of congratulations from Chicago White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf, and appearances by former Major League Baseball players Willie Randolph (Yankees and Mets), Al Leiter (Mets and Yankees), and Mike Lowell (Marlins, Red Sox), and Jay Horowitz, long-time Mets’ public relations guru.

Following the ribbon cutting, Torborg threw out the first pitch to his grandson, also named Jeff Torborg, and an exhibition game ensued between Clark Little League and Springfield Junior Baseball League teams. The youth players all wore uniforms from the various teams Torborg  was associated with, all in Torborg’s #10 uniform number.

The Freeholder Board and the Torborg family extended their thanks to the Chicago White Sox for donating the uniforms; the New York Mets, and Major League Baseball for their donations and participation; Famous Dave’s and Wakefern for making food donations.

The Torborg family also donated memorial bench plaques to the field, and the facility also includes a plaque memorializing Torborg’s accomplishments.

The permitted youth baseball field, which sits off Mill Lane in Echo Lake Park in Mountainside, is open for all teams to use by appointment calling the Union County Department at 908-527-4900.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Freeholder Board is pleased to announce the 2^nd Annual Pulaski Day Flag Raising on Tuesday, September 24, at 4:30 p.m. in front of the Union County Court House, located at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth. The event is free and all residents are invited to attend.

 

The event is being co-sponsored by the General Pulaski Memorial Parade Committee of St. Theresa from Linden.

 

“Union County is home to many Polish-Americans,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “The Freeholder Board is proud to acknowledge the contributions of this very active and hard-working community to our county over the years, by flying the Polish Flag over the County Seat.”

 

The Polish-American Community will be celebrating what has come to be known as “Pulaski Day” throughout late September and early October. With various celebrations in several municipalities, the festivities culminate in a parade down 5^th Avenue in Manhattan. The Pulaski Day parade one of the oldest ethnic parades in New York.

 

“Our County is made stronger by its diversity and inclusion,” said Freeholder Christopher Hudak. “I invite all residents from the County of Union to attend the Union County Pulaski Flag Raising. As a Freeholder of Polish descent, I am especially proud of the accomplishments of the Polish-American community across the country and especially within Union County.”

 

The flag-raising will include refreshments and food.

 

The event is being coordinated through the County’s Office of Community Engagement and Diversity. For more information please contact the Office Coordinator Nathalie Hernandez at nahernandez@ucnj.org or 908-527-4880.

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Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites business owners, managers and entrepreneurs to attend the 2019 Union County Means Business Expo at the Warinanco Sports Center in Warinanco Park on Wednesday, September 18 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

“Last year the Business Expo hosted 80 vendors and 300 attendees, providing a valuable opportunity for networking and meeting peers in the business community,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “We are looking forward to another successful event this year.”

Vendor tables for the event have been sold out this year.

Now in its fourth year, the Business Expo provides a showcase for local businesses and an opportunity to network and grow contacts within the Union County community and beyond.

Since its inception in 2016, the Expo has grown to include a wide variety of businesses and entrepreneurs including service providers, retailers, banks, insurance, real estate, technology, consulting, marketing, legal, accounting, health, education, nonprofits and government offices.

As a special service this year, the Business Expo is offering free, professional child care at the venue, through the Warinanco Sports Center Summer Camp. The service is available for children ages 4-12 and must be requested in advance by filling out the online form at ucnj.org/ucmb.

As always, the Expo will feature raffle prizes along with prizes for a “passport/autograph” contest for attendees who collect signatures from every vendor.

Rounding out the event will be food tastings featuring the menus from Ashbrook Golf Course, Galloping Hill Golf Course and the Warinanco Sports Center.

Admission for attendees is free. Preregistration for all attendees is suggested but not required, except for those requesting child care. To register as an attendee, fill out the online Attendee Registration form at ucnj.org/ucmb.

Union County Means Business is an economic development initiative of the Freeholder Board with the support of community partners including the New Jersey Small Business Development Center, the Union County Economic Development Corporation, the Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce, the Suburban Chamber of Commerce, Kean University, Union County College, Union Township Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce, Cranford Area Chamber of Commerce, and the New Jersey LGBT Chamber of Commerce.

For more information about Union County Means Business, visit ucnj.org/ucmb or contact Deana Mesaros at 908-659-7412 or dmesaros@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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The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that the second annual Rockin’ the Reservation seasonal family activity event will take place on Sunday, September 29, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at The Loop in Union County’s Watchung Reservation.

The Loop is located off W.R. Tracy Drive in Mountainside. It features large open fields, picnic areas, restrooms, playgrounds, and access to rustic hiking trails.

“Rockin’ the Reservation provided hundreds of Union County families and visitors with a full afternoon of seasonal activities in its first year, and we are anticipating another good turnout this year,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski.

Seasonal activities include pumpkin painting at the Pumpkin Patch, provided by Williams Nursery, and a Build-Your-Own-Scarecrow station.

Pony rides and other children’s activities are also featured throughout the event, which includes three entertainment venues:

• Main Stage: The Vinnys, Rockabilly Roadhouse, and a special Drum Circle using paint cans.
• Kids Korner: Magician Joe Fischer and musician Mr. Ray.
• Multi-Cultural Performances: The Rahway Valley Jerseyaires Barbershop Singers, the Chinese American Music Ensemble, the Alborada Spanish Dance Theatre Flamenco, and more.

Rockin’ the Reservation also features almost two dozen art and craft activities for all ages, and a Music Tent where children can play percussion and string instruments.

Food trucks, ice cream and kettle corn will be onsite during Rockin’ the Reservation.

Admission to Rockin’ the Reservation is $5 per person for ages 8 and up. All children ages 7 and under are admitted free of charge. Please note that an additional participation fee applies to scarecrow building, pumpkin painting and pony rides, regardless of age.

Free parking with a free shuttle to the Loop is available at the nearby Watchung Stables at 1160 Summit Lane in Mountainside and the Trailside Nature and Science Center at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside. A limited number of spots are also available within The Loop itself.

For additional information on Rockin’ the Reservation or other activities in Union County Parks visit ucnj.org/calendar or call the Parks Department at 908-527-4900.

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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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The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites non-profit organizations in Union County to attend a free workshop on compliance with accessibility and inclusion guidelines under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The workshop, titled “Inclusivity, Accessibility, and the ADA,” will take place on Tuesday, October 1 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Warinanco Sports Center, located at 1 Park Drive in Warinanco Park, Roselle.

The workshop is hosted by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs. It is open to all arts and history organizations, especially those receiving grants through Union County’s HEART, Local Arts Program, and History Grant initiatives. Other non-profit organizations may also attend.

“The ADA was a landmark piece of legislation when it was signed into law in 1990, and there are still many opportunities to make progress on its mandate for inclusion and accessibility,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “The Freeholder Board is very proud to offer this educational resource to our grant awardees and other non-profits.”

“Inclusivity, Accessibility, and the ADA” features a panel discussion including:

• Robert Carr, former Director of Programs and Services/ADA Coordinator for the New Jersey Theatre Alliance
• Sean Dineen, Chairman of the Union County Board on the Disables and Doctor of Letters in Counterinsurgency and Disability Inclusion, Drew University 2017
• Kevin Illing, Chairman of the Union County Paratransit System Board

The event is free but online pre-registration is required through the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, a division of the Department of Parks and Recreation, at ucnj.org/parks-recreation.

For more information about the event call 908-558-2550.

The workshop is funded in part by a grant from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. It is presented through the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, in the 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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Union County residents and visitors looking for an educational activity for all ages can come to Open House events at the A. Paul Mallery Model Railroad Center in Union Township every Saturday afternoon in September from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., and experience the sights and sounds of an enormous HO scale train layout along with other displays.

The Railroad Center is run by The Model Railroad Club, a nonprofit organization dedicated to researching the history of railroads and industries in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania while sharing the art, craft and science of model railroading.

“A visit to the Railroad Center has become a family tradition, and the Freeholder Board is very proud to host this unique educational resource in the Union County parks system,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski.

In addition to viewing model trains and educational displays, Railroad Center visitors can enjoy a snack bar, toddler rest area, and railroad-themed gift shop.

October will feature extended hours and additional days for the Open House events, in celebration of the Halloween season. Starting on Saturday October 19, the Open House hours are 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The extended hours continue on Sunday October 20, Saturday October 26, and Sunday October 27.

The extra openings coincide with the second annual AddamsFest events in Westfield, where Model Railroad Club members will assist in the running the “Dynamite” layout featured in an episode of The Addams Family television show.

The Railroad Club will also once again host the annual Holiday Sound and Light Show on three consecutive weekends at the Railroad Center beginning on Friday, November 29 and ending on Sunday, December 15.

The Railroad Center is conveniently located off Route 22 East in a mixed-use area of Union County’s Lenape Park, behind the Home Depot in Union Township.

The Railroad Center was built by club members and donated to the Union County parks system in 1976 under an arrangement with the Parks Department. The original building has been expanded since then. Today, it is one of the largest model railroad clubs in the region.

New members are always welcome to join. Current members are on hand during Saturday Open House events and other activities throughout the year, and they are always happy to provide information to visitors. Prospective members can also request information on joining by email, at info@tmrci.org.

For complete details about public events, admission prices, advance ticket sales, directions, and other information about the Railroad Center visit The Model Railroad Club online at themodelrailroadclub.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, NJ – In the continuing effort to support women, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders through the Department on Economic Development’s Office on Women is presenting a women’s empowerment yoga and meditation event in celebration of the fall season on Wednesday, September 25 at 6:00 p.m., at Masker’s Barn in The Deserted Village of Feltville, located in Union County’s Watchung Reservation at 9 Cataract Hollow Road, Berkeley Heights. 

The Office on Women is collaborating with Girls Helping Girls Period (girlshelpinggirlsperiod.org) in their mission to donate a year’s supply of feminine products to women in need. To assist with the supply of these items, participants are asked to bring a box or bag of feminine products to the event. All supplies collected will be donated to Girls Helping Girls Period.

“This program is designed to help women engage with their strengths and capabilities through yoga and guided meditation. It is a good opportunity to recharge and refresh as a new season begins, while also contributing to a good cause,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski said.

The program will include:

• Networking time.
• A short talk and introduction by Jennifer Erdos, Office Coordinator of the Union County Office on Women.
• Yoga session and guided meditation by Betsy Sanders (RYT 220, Reiki master, meditation teacher, yoga 4 cancer certified, Yin certified).

The event is free of charge and open to residents age 16 and older. Beginners and experts alike are welcome.  Attendees should wear comfortable clothing appropriate for yoga, and bring their own yoga mats as well as any feminine products they’d like to donate to Girls Helping Girls Period. Space is limited and pre-registration is required online at ucnj.org/office-on-women.

As the first county-based office of its kind in New Jersey, the Office on Women aims to help ensure that women connect with services and programs that enable them to reach their full potential at every stage of their lives, in education, in employment and business, health and in the social fabric of Union County, and to raise awareness of the many contributions that women make to life in Union County. For additional details contact Jennifer Erdos at jerdos@ucnj.org.

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Connect with Union County on social media. 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.