Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ – In recognition of Black History Month, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is supporting a series of three events in February highlighting key historical and cultural moments of the early 20^th century.

“Black History Month is a time when we reflect on the defining role of African Americans throughout American history,” said Freeholder Chair Betty Jane Kowalski. “The Freeholder Board is proud to support events that enable us to come together as a community and gain deeper insights into the events of the past.”

The first event is a play titled Harlem Renaissance, Another Black Wall Street presented by United Youth of New Jersey. The production explores how the cultural and intellectual movements of the 1920’s redefined black culture and continued empowering African Americans through the civil rights era of the 1960s.

Harlem Renaissance is scheduled for Saturday, February 2, at 3:00 p.m. at the Ritz Theater, located at 1148 East Jersey Street in Elizabeth.

Tickets and sponsorship packages are on sale now. Individual tickets are $20 dollars and there is a discounted rate of $15.00 for children under 12, seniors 60 years old and over, and groups of 15 or more. All proceeds from the show will go towards funding year-round UYNJ programs.

For more information about Harlem Renaissance contact Charlotte Brown, 908-943-8116 or 908-220-5279, or email uynj1995@gmail.com. To purchase tickets visit eventbrite.com.

The second event will take place on Saturday, February 9 in recognition of lifelong Linden resident Monty Brooks, who will receive the seventh annual Chester Holmes Humanitarian Award. The award presentation will be followed by a concert version of the award-winning musical revue, Ain’t Misbehavin’.

Ain’t Misbehavin’ pays tribute to the black musicians of the 1920s and 30s Harlem Renaissance, an era of growing creativity, cultural awareness, and pride. The event will take place at the historic Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway, beginning at 7:00 p.m. For ticket information visit the Box Office at the Main Stage, at 1601 Irving Street in Rahway or call 732-499-8226.  

On Wednesday, February 20 at noon the Office of Cultural and Heritage affairs will host a lecture led by Dr. Melissa Cooper, author of Making Gullah: A History of Sapelo Islanders, Race, and the American Imagination.

In Making Gullah, Cooper upends the conventional study of Sapelo Island by refocusing the observational lens on those who studied the islanders and their culture. She unmasks the connections between the rise of the social sciences in the 1920’s, the voodoo craze during the interwar years, the black studies movement, and black land loss and land struggles in coastal black communities in the Low Country.

The lecture will be held at the Union County College Cranford campus located at 1033 Springfield Avenue, Cranford in room N4.

For more information about this event contact the Office of Cultural and Heritage affairs call 908-558-2550 or visit ucnj.org/cultural.

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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 welcome internationally known corporate trainer Lena Cohen as featured speaker at the third annual Union County Means Business Networking Breakfast, “Building Better Business Relationships.”

The event will be held on Wednesday, February 20 beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the Kean University STEM Building, 1075 Morris Avenue in Union Township and is open to all Union County business owners, managers and entrepreneurs.

“Ms. Cohen brings a compelling message of personal development and fulfillment to Union County Means Business, underscored by her career experiences and her distinguished record in community action,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski.

Lena Cohen has dedicated her life to advocating for a life of balance that includes physical health, relationships, mental wellness, and spirituality. She is an internationally known and requested TED Speaker, decorated community activist, sought after executive coach, and author of two life changing books, Stop, Drop, and Roll and EQ and You.

As a Masters Level Clinician and Corporate Trainer, Lena uses her experience to help people focus on self-development, advancement, and fulfillment in their careers and in their personal lives. Lena acquired her knowledge of emotional intelligence partly through the experience working in the fast paced news rooms of CBS, including the number one television news magazine show in the country.

In Building Better Business Relationships, Lena will explore leadership styles, achieving next-level connections, and the importance of diversity and inclusion among other topics.

Breakfast is included in the event. Pre-registration is requireD. To register, visit ucnj.org/ucmb.

Union County Means Business is an initiative of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, designed to connect the local business community with hands-on guidance and resources for growth. For more information on the Networking Breakfast and other programs, visit ucnj.org/ucmb or contact Dean Mesaros by phone at 908-659-7412 or by email at 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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Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski, on behalf of the Union County Freeholder Board and the County’s Office on LGBTQ Services, today issued a statement about the Supreme Court’s order to allow President Trump’s transgender military ban to go into effect, while it hears arguments.

Union County, NJ- The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to present artwork from the Art from the HEART fine arts program on display at the Freeholders Gallery now until February 14. The public is invited to visit the Freeholders Gallery any time during regular business hours weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on the 6^th floor of the Union County Administration Building, located at 10 Elizabethtown Plaza in Elizabeth.

“The Art from the HEART program is an opportunity for seniors to express themselves creatively and freely, and the exhibit provides members of the public with a window into a unique and colorful world,” said Freeholder Chair Betty Jane Kowalski.

The Exhibition is a partnership between the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey and SAGE Eldercare, in Summit. “Art from the HEART” is celebrating its 18^th year, led by art therapist Janice Patrignani, the program encourages self-expression, increases self-esteem, and helps keep participants’ minds sharp.

The Art from the HEART exhibition is made possible in part by the 2018 HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant from the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. Additional funding is provided by individual donors.

The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey is the state’s largest institution dedicated exclusively to viewing, making and learning about contemporary art, comprising a renowned studio art school and a thriving education, exhibition and programming schedule.

Its service mission includes a commitment to creating access to the arts for a range of constituents, from at-risk children and youth to people with special needs to senior adults. To learn more about Art Center programs, visit artcenternj.org or call 908-273-9121.

SAGE Eldercare supports the independence, well-being and quality of life of older adults, their families and caregivers, through the provision of client-centered health, social and support services. SAGE is proud to offer a wide range of programs and services that support seniors in the challenges they face during the later stages of life. For more information, visit sageeldercare.org or call 908-273-5550.

The Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, part of the Department of Parks and Recreation, coordinates the exhibits displayed at the Freeholders Gallery.

For further information about this and other programs and services related to the arts and history in Union County, visit online at ucnj.org/cultural or contact the Office at 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202, telephone (908) 558-2550, or e-mail culturalinfo@ucnj.org. NJ relay users dial 711.

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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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Award ceremony precedes theatrical performance of Ain’t Misbehavin’

Union County, NJ – On Saturday, February 9, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders will recognize lifelong Linden resident Monty Brooks with the seventh annual Chester Holmes Humanitarian Award during the County’s Black History Month celebration at the historic Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway.

The event begins at 7:00 p.m. and features a free concert version of the iconic American musical, Ain’t Misbehavin’.

“Mr. Brooks defines humanitarian by devoting his life’s work to students and families, guiding them through hard times and encouraging them to achieve their best. He provides an outstanding example of the great difference that one person can make in our community,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski.

“Throughout the years, Mr. Brooks has touched hundreds if not thousands of lives with messages of hope, hard work, and perseverance,” said Freeholder Rebecca Williams. “As an educator, I appreciate all that he has done to prepare the young people in our community for life as adults.”

“The saying that ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ is one that perfectly fits Mr. Brooks and his work with our students and their families. He provides a wonderful role model for all of us,” said Freeholder Andrea Staten.

“Both in his profession and in his volunteer service, Mr. Brooks exemplifies a holistic approach to building a strong, sustainable community,” said Freeholder Angela Garretson. “He is a role model who embodies the heart and soul of public service.”

“Monty Brooks is an inspirational public servant whose outstanding contributions throughout his career and work as a Councilman has made a profound difference in the lives of so many residents—and especially those in our City of Linden,” said Freeholder Christopher Hudak, a resident of Linden. “We congratulate him on this honor.”

As a social worker who has served in the Linden Board of Education for 25 years, Mr. Brooks has assisted students and parents in crisis, including counseling students who may suffer from low self-esteem, suicidal tendencies, bullying, and substance abuse. He is a former Fourth Ward Councilman for the City of Linden, among his other affiliations.

A former football, basketball and track athlete at Linden High School, Mr. Brooks previously coached football and basketball teams at the high school, and is currently the track coach.  He has mentored many state powerhouse teams and successful student-athletes, including some who have gone on to professional or successful amateur sports careers. Mr. Brooks currently coaches Kyle Lipscomb, currently the number-one ranked shot put thrower and the number-two ranked discus thrower in the state of New Jersey.

Mr. Brooks is a NCAA Eligibility Center Specialist at Linden High School, one of the few at the high school level. He ensures that the school’s student athletes and parents are fully aware of all NCAA eligibility guidelines and requirements as it relates to potential Division 1/ Division 2 athletic scholarships.

A graduate of Seton Hall University, Mr. Brooks continued to work at the university after his graduation for the Educational Opportunities Program, having held the positions of Academic Course Advisor, Resident Assistant, Adjunct professor in the E.O.P Program, Assistant Financial Aid Officer/Admissions Officer and Acting Financial Aid Officer for the E.O.P program. He was also employed as the Head Counselor for the Upward Bound Program at Seton Hall.

The Humanitarian Award was created by the Freeholder Board in honor of the late former Freeholder Chester Holmes, who was known for his lifelong dedication to community service. Mr. Brooks is the first resident of Linden to receive the award.

Ain’t Misbehavin’ is presented through the combined sponsorship of the County of Union, City of Rahway, and the Union County Performing Arts Center.

This free concert version of the award-winning musical revue will take place at the historic UCPAC Main Stage at 1601 Irving Street in Rahway, kicking off a month-long celebration of programming in recognition of Black History Month.

Ain’t Misbehavin’ pays tribute to the black musicians of the 1920s and 30s Harlem Renaissance, an era of growing creativity, cultural awareness, and pride. It showcases the music of Thomas “Fats” Waller, who rose to fame during the Golden Age of the Cotton Club and introduced a new form of music called swing.

Admission is free but tickets are required to guarantee seating. For more information and to reserve tickets, visit ucpac.org/events. Please note that tickets for the event are currently on hold and will be released beginning on January 25 at 12:00 p.m.

For more information, contact the Box Office by email at boxoffice@ucpac.org or by phone at 732-499-8226.

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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 pleased to present an exhibit of photographic mandalas by Danielle Wilkinson of Clark in the gallery space at the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, located at 633 Pearl Street in Elizabeth. A selection of Ms. Wilkinson’s work entitled “Photographic Mandalas from Nature” is on display at the Pearl Street Gallery until March 29. Gallery hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

“Ms. Wilkinson’s skills as a photographer and digital designer come together in a series of powerful images. The Freeholder Board is very proud to provide this opportunity for the public to enjoy this unique perspective on the natural world,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski.

Danielle Wilkinson is an artist currently creating and teaching workshops in drawing, photography, spirituality and yoga. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Ramapo College of NJ and her NJ Art & Education Certification from St. Peter’s College in NJ.

Ms. Wilkinson taught art at David Brearley Middle and Kenilworth High School for 14 years, bringing her students and their work annually to the Union County Teen Arts Festival. Artwork created by her graphic design students was chosen as the official Kenilworth flag, historical seal and “Cast” logo.

Her students also worked with the Restore the Shore campaign to raise money for victims of Superstorm Sandy, by designing and selling t-shirts. In 2012-2013 she was named High School Teacher of the Year.

Ms. Wilkinson is the owner and Director of Aquarian Yoga Center, which has locations in Westfield and Clark. Her artwork is on her line of yoga clothing and mats, and she has exhibited her work extensively in galleries and other venues throughout the state and beyond. She is also a Getty iStock Photo contributor, the illustrator of Little Wave, and the author of her own book, Conduit of Light, published in 2018. She is also a guest lecturer at Kean University.

To see more works by Danielle Wilkinson, visit daniellewilkinson.com .

The Pearl Street Gallery space is available only for works that can be hung on a wall. Union County artists interested in exhibiting in the gallery are welcome to apply. For more information about the Pearl Street Gallery and other programs, please contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, 633 Pearl St., Elizabeth, NJ 07202. Telephone 908-558-2550. NJ Relay users can dial 711. E-mail to: 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.

County also announces drop off sites for diapers and feminine hygiene products; residents encouraged to make financial contributions to NJ Food Bank

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders today announced an online assistance guide for Federal employees who are experiencing hardship due to the prolonged government shutdown.

The guide can be accessed at www.ucnj.org/federal-shutdown/  and contains location information on food pantries, soup kitchens and diaper bank sites; County drop-off box locations for those wishing to donate diapers, and feminine hygiene products; SNAP information; a donation link to the Community Foodbank of New Jersey; and a list of nationally-known businesses offering federal workers relief, including free meals, restaurant discounts to deferring payments and zero-interest loans.

“Federal employees and their families need our help, and the County of Union and our residents are prepared,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski.  “We will continue to update our webpage and social media as more information becomes available on how to assist these employees.”

There are approximately 460 Federal employees who live throughout Union County, according to the most recent information available from the Census Bureau.

Kowalski added: “At this time, we are finding the greatest issue to be food insecurity.  We are also encouraging County residents who are able to make monetary donations to consider donating to the Community Food Bank of New Jersey, which is the agency that provides food to the pantries and soup kitchens listed. Financial donations are preferable to food collections because the food bank is able to leverage monetary donations to make the dollars go much farther. We have been made aware that diapers and feminine hygiene products are also in short supply.”

The County will be collecting feminine hygiene products and diapers for distribution through the Community Food Bank at the following County government locations:

• Union County Administration Building Lobby- 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth
• Union County Socials Services Building located at-
  • 342 Westminster Ave., Elizabeth
  • 200 West 2nd St., Plainfield
• Froehlich Public Safety Building-400 North Ave., East, Westfield
• Engineering & Public Works Building-2325 South Ave., Scotch Plains

Offices are open 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Residents who receive assistance through the SNAP Food Assistance program received allocations for January and February earlier this week. Recipients are urged to budget their funds as the dollars credited to the cards must hold them over for two months rather than one, as is the norm.  Federal employees not receiving SNAP, and who need the assistance can visit the web link on how to apply for benefits during the shutdown.

Union County residents seeking information about services available for senior adults age 60 and older will have a choice of six (6) dates and locations in February to speak with staff from the county’s Department of Human Services, Division on Aging.  Staff will be present at public libraries in Westfield; Clark; Garwood; Elizabeth; Union; and at the Senior Center in Rahway with Spanish speaking staff at this site.

“The purpose of ‘ASK’ is to help residents obtain government programs and services available to seniors and their caregivers,” said Bette Jane Kowalski, Chair of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.  “The program brings our knowledgeable, experienced Division on Aging staff to locations throughout Union County to make it easier for residents to get expert assistance close to home.”

Staff from the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection/ADRC have been traveling throughout Union County providing information about services such as home delivered meals; respite care; home care; adult day care; and, support services for caregivers through the Aging Services Kiosk or ASK community outreach effort.  Assistance with completing applications and forms is also provided.

The February 2019 dates and locations are:

Monday, February 4
Westfield Memorial Library
550 E. Broad Street
Westfield, NJ 07090
10:00 am – 12:00 noon

Thursday, February 7
Rahway Senior Center
Bilingual staff will be available at this site
1306 Esterbrook Avenue
Rahway, 07065
10:00 am – 12:00 noon

Monday, February 11
Clark Public Library
303 Westfield Avenue
Clark, 07066
10:00 am to 12:00 noon

Thursday, February 21
Garwood Public Library
411 Third Avenue
Garwood, 07027
10:00 – 12:00 noon

Friday, February 22
Elizabeth Public Library – Elmora branch
740 W. Grand Street
Elizabeth, 07202
10:00 am – 12:00 noon

Tuesday, February 26
Union Public Library
1980 Morris Avenue
Union, 07083
11:30 am – 1:30 pm

All Union County residents are welcome to attend any of these ASK events.

The Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection’s (ADRC) goal is to promote wellness, independence, dignity and choice for seniors and their families. It is one of 670 “Area Agencies on Aging” nationwide established under the federal Older Americans Act.  The division has information printed in both English and Spanish.

“The Aging & Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) model is a state initiative that Union County has embraced since 2012, and is designed to improve service for seniors and the disabled,” said Freeholder Chair Kowalski. “These services can enable seniors and the disabled to remain in their homes and communities.

Check for the upcoming schedule of stops for an ASK kiosk coming near you as dates and locations are posted in local newspapers, the Senior News, Facebook, Twitter and the Union County website, www.ucnj.org.

For further information about the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection, call the division’s toll-free number: 1-888-280-8226, or 908-527- 4870 or 4858. Spanish speakers may call 908-527-4863.  Information may be viewed on the Union County government website at www.ucnj.org. 

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders today cut the ribbon on the Watchung Reservation Sensory Trail, the first of its kind in the county and the most extensive one in the nation. The trail is accessible to all residents, allowing them to enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings at the Trailside Nature and Science Center.

“We continue to champion equal access and inclusion for all residents, and the sensory trail will be leading the way nationwide,  providing a way to safely experience the outdoors and providingopportunities to interact with nature and learn about the rich history our county has to offer,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados.  “We are committed to providing children and adults of all abilities access to recreational opportunities, and as such we also created the Office for People with Special Needs, this year, which is coordinating programs for children at the Sensory Friendly Trail including a Special Needs Summer Camp.”

The trail is open to all visitors, seven days a week from dawn to dusk for free, and is located behind the Trailside Nature and Science Center at the Watchung Reservation in Mountainside.

There are many different components to the trail which is designed to provide sensory stimulation and interaction, and meet the physical, social and cognitive needs of different age groups.

To begin with, the Watchung Reservation Sensory Trail is a 0.3 mile loop with a central gazebo.  The interpretive signage includes two talking kiosks highlighting the natural and human history of the Watchung Reservation.  There are also sounds from nature, including bird sounds, insect sounds, and the sounds of the Lenape Indians, who once occupied the reservation.

The central gazebo has a sensory play area to attract children and encourage exploration and discovery—including a crawl through a log, mushroom steppers, and a balance beam that looks like a tree branch.  

There are also musical components on the trail—including drums, Xylophone, and other items to touch, including wheels and balls, and raised garden beds (sensory gardens for touching and smelling).

The 0.2 mile braille trail loop with guide ropes features multiple stops to learn about the local flora and fauna.   

The nearby Trailside Nature & Science Center will utilize the new Sensory Trail and offer educational programs to allow students and families an opportunity to explore nature and gain a better understanding of the natural world around them. As part of Freeholder Chairman Granados’ “Moving Union County Forward” initiatives for 2018, the Freeholder Board created the Office for People with Special Needs, which has been expanding resources and activities while also working with local organizations to build connections for the betterment of people with special needs.

The trail stretches from the Trailside Center and into fields surrounding the center and there are two outdoor classrooms along the trail (log and acorn searing) where naturalists can gather groups and/or make presentations.

The project was designed by CME Associates Consulting and Municipal Engineers, which is based out of six offices in New Jersey. The project contractor is Pavelec Brothers from Nutley, NJ. The cost of the project is $652,000.

The Freeholder Board continues to champion equal access and sensory friendly opportunities for its residents. As mentioned above,  the Freeholder Board through Freeholder Chairman Granados’ “Moving Union County Forward” initiatives for 2018, created the Office for People with Special Needs, and also the “Level the Playing Field” initiative which is creating sensory friendly and accessible playgrounds in all 21 towns throughout the County—the first such initiative nationally. Last year, the Freeholder Board created the County’s first inclusive playground at Mattano Park in Elizabeth, and several years ago under Freeholder Alexander Mirabella, created the Sensory Friendly Theater series, which continues annually.

CAPTION: Union County Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados and Freeholders Bruce H. Bergen and Rebecca Williams joined Union County Manager Ed Oatman, Deputy County Manager Amy Wagner, Union County Parks and Recreation Director Ron Zuber, Union County Department of Human Services Director  Debbie-Ann Anderson, county employees and people with special needs in cutting the ribbon, officially opening the new Sensory Friendly Trail at the Trailside Nature and Science Center at the Watchung Reservation in Mountainside. The trail, which is the first of its kind in the County, will be accessible to all and allow residents to enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings.  (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce a free teacher training workshop for teachers K-8 on Thursday, March 7 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  The “Eagle Cam in the Classroom” program offers a unique opportunity for formal and non-formal grade school teachers to learn how a wildlife cam can be effectively used as a teaching tool.

“We’re glad to offer this teacher training workshop to help teachers bring eagles, virtually, into their classrooms. Through this program, students can see first-​hand how these majestic birds live and, hopefully, how we can help them survive,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. 

The bald eagle population in New Jersey continues to soar largely due to the work of biologists from the New Jersey Endangered and Nongame Species Program, and Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey (CWF). 

Teachers can learn more about the habits and habitats of bald eagles and how to bring these charismatic raptors into their classroom through the use of CWF’s live cams.  CWF and New Jersey State Biologist for eagles, Larissa Smith, will help teachers understand the science behind New Jersey’s bald eagle population and the adaptations that make them unique. 

In addition, Stephanie DAlessio, Education Director of CWF will explain the many ways eagle ecology can be used in the curriculum for STEM lessons.  Live birds of prey will make an appearance from the Tenafly Nature Center.

A light morning snack and lunch will be served. Earn 5 professional education credits. Class size is limited; register early at ucnj.org/trailside.

This program is free and is made possible by funding support from Conserve Wildlife Foundation and the Trailside Museum Association.

For more information about these programs or other activities at Trailside, 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 facility of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation.       

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Photo credit: Don Freiday, USFWS.

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.