Category: Public Info

Union County Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski, Vice Chairman Alexander Mirabella and Freeholders Sergio Granados, Christopher Hudak and Angela R. Garretson joined Clerk of the Freeholder Board James Pellettiere, Union County Office of Veteran Services Coordinator Janna Williams, VFW Post 2230 Commander Robert Jeans, Jim Daly of VFW Post 335, Boy Scouts and dozens of volunteers for the annual American flag deployment on veterans’ graves this morning at Graceland Cemetery in Kenilworth. The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders supplied more than 30,000 flags to mark veterans’ graves throughout Union County. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Freeholders Sergio Granados, Rebecca Williams, Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded and Christopher Hudak present checks and resolutions to students and teachers congratulating them on winning the 2018/2019 UC STEP Start Now Grant and for participating in the UC STEP “Link Up for Life” Suicide Awareness and Prevention Civic Engagement Campaign. They were joined by Union County Deputy Manager Amy Wagner and Deana Mesaros of the Union County Department of Economic Development.

The first place winner of the UC STEP Start Now Grant “Link Up for Life” is the Benedictine Academy in Elizabeth. The runners-up are the UC Teams Charter School and Roselle Catholic High School.

UC STEP (Union County Student Training & Enrichment Program) was created to provide high school students the opportunity to develop a countywide community service around a topic they feel is important, while teaching them leadership, personal growth skills, and responsibility within their communities.

The Freeholder Board also presented a resolution and a check to Caring Contact Executive Director Janet Sarkos acknowledging the efforts of the award-winning, volunteer-staffed caring and crisis hotline and listening community for those dealing with depression, anxiety, other sources of stress or suicidal thoughts. Caring Contact received a donation of the proceeds raised by the UC STEP “Link Up for Life” Suicide Awareness and Prevention Civic Engagement Campaign.

(Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski and Bruce Bergen, the Chair of the Raritan Valley Rail Coalition, welcomed Nat Bottigheimer of the Regional Plan Association, a non-profit public policy agency that examines various issues, as he presented its report: “A Preventable Crisis, The Economic and Human Costs of a Hudson River Rail Tunnel Shutdown,” to the Freeholder Board. Learn more at www.raritanvalleyrail.com/news. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski and Freeholders Sergio Granados and Angel G. Estrada present resolutions to the Elizabeth Portugal Day Committee congratulating them on their 41st Grand Portuguese Day Parade in Elizabeth on June 2, 2019. The Freeholders also honored Grand Marshal Joaquim Martins. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Freeholders Rebecca Williams and Andrea Staten present a resolution to Youth Empowered for Success Basketball League President Terence Johnson of Plainfield congratulating him on a successful 2019 season. They were joined by his coaches and players. The Youth Empowered for Success Basketball League was founded in 2016 by as a way to provide the Plainfield areas with a competitive level basketball league. After beginning with 180 participants, the league has grown to 260 children this past season, including players from 15 different cities in the State of New Jersey. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Ribbon cutting marks soft opening as Clubhouse will open in a few weeks

The Union County Freeholder Board joined with golfers, KemperSports and other elected officials today in cutting the ribbon on the brand, new state-of-the-art Ash Brook Golf Course Clubhouse, which will open to the public in a few weeks.

The new, 21,000 square foot clubhouse has plenty to offer golfers and non-golfers. It houses a first-class, full-service restaurant and bar — called The Tavern At Ash Brook — with a terrace and capacity for 120 people. The restaurant features American comfort classics with specialty cocktails, wines and craft beers from local providers.

The clubhouse also features a full retail pro shop, administrative offices and public restrooms, as well as an underground cart barn for a new electric fleet of 90 carts, and a full service return stand.

“Union County is a statewide leader in this sport, and has earned a reputation as the home of public golf,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “The opening of the Ash Brook Clubhouse solidifies our standing, as our courses are well-known for their playability, customer service and top-notch restaurants for all to enjoy.”

Freeholder Alexander Mirabella said: “Today, Ash Brook takes its place alongside our Galloping Hill Golf Course as one of the top courses in the state. This opening completes a nearly decade-long transformation of our once-decaying golf operations into a profit center for the County. I am proud of what our vision has been able to accomplish, and our residents have another regional destination for recreation and dining.”

KemperSports CEO Steve Skinner said: “We are very excited to include the clubhouse as a new offering for the already stellar golf at Ash Brook. The new addition to the course will only add to the outstanding golf experience at Ash Brook.”

In recent years, the County completed a golf course renovation project at Ash Brook with famed architect Rees Jones. The scope of work included updating course drainage, tree work and bunkers, which were renovated and rebuilt to industry standards. The end result is a golf course that is amenable for golfers of all skill levels.

Ash Brook Golf Course features 7,040 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 72. The course was designed by Alfred Tull and opened in 1953. Ash Brook is a parkland style golf course with tree lined fairways and large greens. Ash Brook has four sets of tees to accommodate golfers of all skill levels.

In addition to the 18-hole facility, Ash Brook offers a Pitch & Putt course for players of all ages that has proven to be a family favorite in the community. The Pitch & Putt course features 673 yards of golf for a par of 27.

In January 2010, KemperSports began managing Ash Brook Golf Course as part of the Union County Golf Properties. KemperSports is recognized as a leader in the golf course management industry and brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the facility.

For more information on Ash Brook Golf Course, please go to www.ashbrookgolfcourse.com/

Union County Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski and Freeholders  Christopher Hudak, Angel G. Estrada, Angela Garretson and Andrea Staten attend a public meeting hosted by the Public Safety Committee of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders titled, The Opioid Epidemic: Silently Affecting Our Community at the McManus School in Linden.

The Public Safety Committee and members of the public heard reports from representatives of the Union County Prosecutor, Union County Sheriff’s Office, the Union County Police Department and other professionals, including representatives from the nonprofit organization Prevention Links and other stakeholders.

Union County Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski and Freeholders Andrea Staten, Rebecca Williams and Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded joined Assemblywoman Linda Carter in welcoming the keynote speaker Linda Wellbrock, founder of Leading Women Entrepreneurs and Secretary of the Climate Reality Action Fund, to the annual Union County Women Mean Business skill building seminar and networking event at the Clubhouse at Union County’s Galloping Hill Golf Course in Kenilworth. More details about Union County Women Mean Business are available online at ucnj.org/ucmb. (Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski and Freeholders Sergio Granados and Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded joined Mountainside Mayor Paul Mirabelli, Union County Superintendent of Schools Daryl Palmieri, educators and local officials in cutting the ribbon officially opening the new playground at the Beechwood School in Mountainside. The playground was funded by Union County “Kids Recreation” and “Level the Playing Field” grants.

Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites everyone to come out to Union County’s Watchung Stable, located in the Watchung Reservation in Mountainside, and enjoy the 86th Annual Spring Troop Show beginning on Friday, May 24.

“The equestrian arts have been a Union County tradition since 1933, and the Freeholder Board is very proud to continue Watchung Stable as an affordable, inclusive resource for residents of all skill levels,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski.

The Spring Troop Show features riding competition events throughout the weekend, with trophies awarded to the best in a number of equestrian categories. Competition will take place for pre-teens, teenagers and adults.

This year’s events begin on Friday, May 24 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and continue through Saturday May 25 and Sunday May 26, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. both days.

On Saturday, there will also be a special drill team performance at approximately 11:15 a.m.

Admission to the Spring Troop Show is free, however, please note that no dogs will be allowed on the premises during the show.

Watchung Stable is located at 1160 Summit Lane in Mountainside. The facility is run by the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation.

One of the few public riding stables remaining in New Jersey, Watchung Stable offers both indoor and outdoor riding, including 26 miles of bridle paths in the Watchung Stables.

Visitors are welcome to tour the facility any time during regular business hours. Scheduled guided tours and programs are also available for Scouts, pre-schools, senior citizens, and organizations serving people with disabilities, and birthday party bookings are available for children under age 9.

For more information about riding lessons, equestrian programs, or visiting the stable complex, call Watchung Stable at 908-789-3665, e-mail stablequestions@ucnj.org, or visit online at  ucnj.org/parks-recreation/watchung-stable.

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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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