Category: Public Info

UNION COUNTY, NJ — The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites members of the community to honor the memory of the 60 Union County residents who perished in the World Trade Center attack of 2001, by visiting the Union County September 11th Memorial on Wednesday, September 11 at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside.

The Memorial is open from the morning hours until 9:00 p.m. on September 11. Members of the Union County Sheriff’s Office will provide a uniformed Honor Guard standing watch at the memorial from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. The public is invited to bring and light candles in memory of those lost in the attacks.

“On this date, we honor those who perished, we remember the many acts of bravery that occurred that day, and we reaffirm the Union County community as one that pulls together, through times of peace and crisis alike,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski.

The Union County September 11th Memorial incorporates elements of design that include all three sites where lives were lost. Two girders recovered from the ruins of the World Trade Center are arranged within a five sided area representing the Pentagon, and an Eternal Flame represents those who died in Pennsylvania along with members of the Armed Services and emergency responders.

In addition to these elements, the names of the 60 deceased Union County residents are etched into the memorial.

Union County worked with residents of Cranford, Elizabeth, Kenilworth, Linden, Mountainside, Rahway, Scotch Plains, Summit, Union and Westfield to plan and build the Memorial.

Dedicated on Sept. 13, 2003, the memorial was constructed through private donations including in-kind work by labor unions and materials at cost.

The memorial is located on a hill at the border of Mountainside and Springfield in Echo Lake Park, near the Springfield Avenue entrance at the eastern end of the park. To view download a map visit ucnj.org/parks-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, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is proud to support LGBTQ and ally business owners and entrepreneurs at the 2019 “Out For Business” Breakfast presented by the New Jersey LGBT Chamber of Commerce, sponsored by PSEG, this Thursday, September 12, 2019 at Galloping Hill Golf Course from 8:00 AM until 12:00 Noon.

Tickets are still available through the NJ LGBT Chamber of Commerce at https://bit.ly/2kudGaG.

“This Freeholder Board is proud to support the NJ LGBT Chamber of Commerce to bring together our diverse community of business owners and entrepreneurs to network and increase their capacity in our community,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski.

The 2019 “Out for Business” Breakfast will focus on achieving success after LGBTBE (LGBT Business Enterprise) Certification.  Guests will have the opportunity to meet other professionals and hear success stories from LGBTBE certified business owners. For those LGBT business owners who are not yet certified, there will be an opportunity to learn how to become a certified LGBT Business Enterprise via the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce.

The scheduled speakers represent New Jersey government, the New Jersey corporate sector, and workplace diversity. Guests will hear from Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski and Danni Newbury, coordinator of Union County’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs.

“As corporate America becomes more diversified, this event offers a great opportunity for LGBTQ business owners and entrepreneurs to learn strategies to access business to business opportunities and strengthen networks to meet their business goals,” said Freeholder Rebecca Williams, liaison to the Union County LGBTQ Ad Hoc Committee. 

To succeed in business today requires strategic focus, the vision to see and then seize opportunities when they arise and a strong, accessible network of contacts. As an Affiliate Chamber of the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, it is The NJ LGBT Chamber’s mission to bring together chamber members and allies with resources from across the business spectrum.

The NJ LGBT Chamber of Commerce “Out For Business” Breakfast event is sponsored by PSEG along with support from NJ LGBT Chamber founding sponsor BCB Bank and additional partnership with Office Depot, Out In Jersey Magazine, Constant Contact.

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.

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The Union County Department of Human Services, the Union County Youth Services Commission, and nonprofit organization Proceed, Inc. invite young women ages 13 through 17 to participate in the new Fearless Girls Empowerment group.

“Fearless Girls Empowerment group provides a safe, supportive space for young women to discuss sensitive topics and gain a deeper understanding of issues that affect them,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski.

The group meets weekly with an adult leader to discuss healthy communication skills, leading with confidence, boundaries in relationships, self-esteem, how to handle conflicts, internet safety, and other issues that girls and young women face today.

The 12-week program begins on Tuesday, September 10th and will conclude on Tuesday, December 3rd.  Admission is on a rolling basis by referral only.  For more information on the program or how to host a Fearless Girls Group in your town, please contact Barbara Ziobro, Administrator, Youth Services Commission 908-558-2381 or bziobro@ucnj.org.  To obtain a referral form, contact Patricia Scala at the Youth Services Commission, 908-527-4888 or pscala@ucnj.org.

Meetings are held every Tuesday from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Linden Public Library, located at 31 East Henry Street in Linden. The Fearless Girls Empowerment Group is free and snacks will be provided for participants.

The Union County Youth Services Commission is a state-mandated committee represented by state and local juvenile justice stakeholders who plan, monitor and implement programs and services to at-risk youth and those youth involved in the juvenile justice system.

The Commission meets monthly to review local service provider outcomes, distribute information on upcoming events and plan initiatives in response to identified gaps in meeting Union County’s Continuum of Care objectives.

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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 Town of Westfield, with sponsorship support from the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and Coldwell Banker, will host its first-ever Westfield Multicultural Festival on September 14 from 1:00-3:00 pm at Mindowaskin Park. This celebration of Westfield’s unique and diverse community will feature music and dance performances, food, cultural displays, and expo booths.

The festivities will kick off with a parade of nations from the Mindowaskin Playground to the gazebo. Music and dance performances will follow shortly afterwards.

“The Board of Chosen Freeholders are pleased to provide support for the Westfield Multicultural Festival,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “I am glad that the Town of Westfield is celebrating the melting pot of different cultures within the community. Our diversity is what makes the County of Union a wonderful place to live, work, and visit.”

“I’m thrilled to have Westfield host this event to highlight the many vibrant cultures in and around our town,” said Westfield Mayor Shelley Brindle. “We’ve seen such an enthusiastic response from members of the community to showcase their heritages and participate in this first-time event. I hope everyone will join us for what I expect will be a fantastic afternoon celebrating diversity”

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Recreation are pleased to announce that online registration for fall workshops at Trailside Nature and Science Center is now open. Beginning Saturdays this fall, a new program series, Back to Nature, is open to families with children of all ages with a different nature or science theme each week.  Trailside’s location in the scenic Watchung Reservation provides the perfect outdoor classroom.

“Trailside’s new Back to Nature series is a wonderful way for families to spend time together in the great outdoors and enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Watchung Reservation,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “These fall programs provide the perfect opportunity for adults and children of all ages to have fun while learning about the natural world around them.”

The Back to Nature programs encourage nature discovery through hikes and indoor/outdoor activities. This new series is offered on Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.  Families can explore a rainbow of colors on a fall hike, learn how to identify different animal tracks, experience the life of the Lenape Native Americans and take part in a scavenger hunt on Union County’s award winning Sensory Trail. There is a maximum of four participants per family.

Parents with young children up to age three can enjoy Toddler Time. This popular series is offered on Thursdays, Fridays or Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Families will learn about animals such as squirrels and turkeys and participate in an autumn tyke hike.  There is a maximum of four participants per family.

Trailside offers Two of Us for parents with children ages three and four. This workshop series meets on Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. or Wednesdays from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Among the many topics explored this autumn are: fall fun in the outdoors, animal adaptations and snakes and turtles.

Small Fry Days is a drop-off program for children ages four to six. This program is offered on Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Participants will enjoy a fall walk, investigate slithering snakes, spinning spiders and acrobatic bats on the Halloween hike and learn about the Watchung Reservation’s largest year-round residents, the white-tailed deer.

Trailside is offering a drop off program called Kids Explorations for older children ages seven to 10 on Saturday mornings. Activities include a salamander search, birding for beginners, nature’s detectives and a hike to the lake to discover the colors of fall.  This series meets on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Trailside’s fall programs begin October 1 and continue through December 7. Pre-registration is required. The fee per class is $10.00 per child for Union County residents and $12.00 per child for out-of-county residents. For detailed program descriptions and registration visit ucnj.org/trailside.

For more information about Trailside’s new family workshops, upcoming programs or special events, please call 908-789-3670 or visit ucnj.org/trailside. Trailside Nature and Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a service of the Union
County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

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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 invites all residents and visitors to attend the commemoration of POW/MIA Remembrance Day in front of the Union County Courthouse at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth on Friday, September 13. The ceremony will start promptly at 11:15 a.m.

“Please join us as we pause and honor the sacrifices of our military and their families,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “This annual public ceremony provides an important reminder that the Union County community will never forget our service men and women who were prisoners of war, and those who are missing in action.”

In the event of rain, the ceremony will take place indoors, in the Freeholder Meeting Room on the 6^th Floor of the Union County Administration Building, behind the Courthouse at 10 Elizabethtown Plaza. For more information, call the Freeholder Board at 908-527-4200.

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 Surrogate James LaCorte, Esq. spoke about the legal aspects of the functions of notaries public at a Notary Training Seminar for New Jersey Notaries Public hoisted by Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi at the John H. Stamler Police Academy in Scotch Plains. For more information about Notary Public Services visit www.ucnj.org/county-clerk/notary-public-services. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is proud to partner with WellCare Health Plans to present the first Union County LGBTQ+ Community Health and Wellness Fair scheduled for Saturday, October 5, 2019 at Union County College (1033 Springfield Ave, Cranford) from 12 noon until 4PM. 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.

“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 the Office of LGBTQ Affairs and WellCare Health Plans, and the Union County Division of Health, 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.

Health and wellness providers who offer services for the LGBTQ community and would like to register to participate with resources and information should contact Danni Newbury, Coordinator, at 908-527-4742 or dnewbury@ucnj.org.

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.

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.

Jeff Torborg’s Biography

Torborg began his career as an All-State catcher for Westfield High School, and an All-American catcher at Rutgers University, where they retired his number, #10, the first-ever uniform retired for a Rutgers University baseball player.

He was drafted originally by the Los Angeles Dodgers, played for them, and later for the California Angels during his ten-year career. He caught Sandy Koufax’s perfect game and no-hitters by Bill Singer and Nolan Ryan, and was part of Don Drysdale’s record-setting streak of 58-2/3 innings of scoreless baseball.

Torborg later managed five Major League Baseball teams—the Cleveland Indians, White Sox, Mets, Montreal Expos and Florida Marlins. He also served as a coach for the Yankees for ten years as well.  

After his managing career concluded, Torborg then went on to spend 12 years as an award-winning television and radio baseball broadcaster for CBS Radio and Fox (television) Sports.

Union County Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski, Freeholder Vice Chair Alexander Mirabella, Freeholder Sergio Granados, Sheriff Peter Corvelli, Westfield Mayor Shelley Brindle, Mountainside Mayor Paul Mirabelli, baseball legends Al Leiter, Willie Randolph and Mike Lowell joined with Jeff Torborg, his wife Suzi, sons Dale and Greg and his extended family in cutting the ribbon on  the new Jeff Torborg Youth Baseball Field in Mountainside, NJ

 

 

Union County Freeholders presented Jeff Torborg (center) with a resolution honoring him and dedicating the Jeff Torborg Youth Baseball field in his honor. L. to R. Freeholder Sergio Granados, Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski, Suzie Torborg, Jeff Torborg, and Freeholder Vice Chair Alexander Mirabella.​

 

 

 

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites residents and visitors to join the 2019 Union County Hispanic Heritage Celebration on Saturday, September 28, from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Union County Performing Arts Center, 1601 Irving Street in Rahway. The Freeholder Board is partnering with the City of Rahway for the event, which is free and open to the public.

The family friendly evening will feature a performance by Mexican-American comedian Steve Treviño, who is nationally known for his unique insights into the ups and downs of everyday life. Limited tickets are available. Contact Nathalie Hernandez, nahernandez@ucnj.org to reserve your tickets today!

“Now more than ever, it is important to celebrate the diversity and cultural ties that build a strong, inclusive community,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski.

The Freeholder Board reflects the contributions of Hispanic citizens to civic life in Union County. Its nine members include Freeholder Angel Estrada, who was the first Cuban-American elected to the Board, and Freeholder Sergio Granados, who is of Salvadoran-American descent.

“The national Hispanic community continues to grow, and within Union County, Hispanics represent over 30% of the population. The Freeholder Board continues to work on showcasing our diversity,” said Freeholder Sergio Granados. “This event will bring together Hispanic organizations across the County of Union for a fun filled evening that will highlight Hispanic culture and acknowledge the continued success of Hispanic community leaders. We invite all residents to come out and partake in this event as our greatest strength comes from uniting residents of all backgrounds.”

Attendees are invited to explore the richness of the Hispanic culture through food, music, art and entertainment, along with local leaders who will be honored at the event.

The 2019 Hispanic Heritage Celebration is free, and free parking is available at the Hamilton Stage located nearby at 360 Hamilton Street in Rahway.

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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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.