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Union County Honors Youth Empowered for Success Basketball League President Terence Johnson

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)

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Union County Freeholders cut ribbon on new Ash Brook Golf Course Clubhouse  

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/

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Public Safety Committee of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders hosts public meeting about the Opioid Crisis in Union County ​

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.

 

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Union County Women Mean Business

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)

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New Playground Opens at the Beechwood School in Mountainside

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.

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86th Annual Spring Troop Show Highlights Local Riders

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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Business Women Invited to Popular Networking Event, May 22

Union County, NJ – The Union County Women Mean Business annual skill building seminar and networking event has brought hundreds of women business owners, managers and entrepreneurs together since launching in 2012. This year’s event will be held on Wednesday, May 22 at the Clubhouse at Union County’s Galloping Hill Golf Course in Kenilworth, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Registration is required online at ucnj.org/ucmb, and is open until Tuesday, May 21.

“The Freeholder Board is very proud to host this event each year, in support of women who make a difference in the economic life of our community and in our social fabric as well,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski.

The keynote speaker this year is Linda Wellbrock, founder of Leading Women Entrepreneurs, and Secretary of the Climate Reality Action Fund.

The 2019 sponsors are JCT Solutions as Diamond Sponsor, along with KemperSports, Winning Strategies Washington, Suplee, Clooney & Company, Tropic Tinting and Southwest.

This year’s event partners Union County with the organization Period, which works nationally to collect and distribute menstrual products for women in need. Attendees who bring a box of tampons or pads for donation will receive an extra raffle ticket and have their donation matched by ShopRite of Clark.

ShopRite of Clark has generously donated 300 items, ensuring that every attendee contribution is matched.

A modest fee of $40 includes breakfast, lunch, networking time, breakout sessions lead by experts in brand building and personal development, giveaways, and chances to win prizes.

More details about Union County Women Mean Business are available online at ucnj.org/ucmb.

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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Sample Ballots for June Primary Election Now Available on Union County Clerk Elections Website and App

Union County, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi announces that sample ballots for the June 4 Primary Election are now available on the Union County Votes mobile app for Apple and Android devices, and on the County Clerk’s election website at unioncountyvotes.com.

“My office will begin mailing sample ballots by U.S. Mail on Tuesday, May 21st to each voter. The online posting is an additional service that enables each voter to obtain the same information through the convenience of their desktop or mobile devices,” explained Ms. Rajoppi.

Ms. Rajoppi also reminded Union County residents that any registered voter can cast their vote early for any reason, by using a Vote-By-Mail ballot.

Voters should allow 3-5 business days to mail their ballot back in time to be counted on Primary Day.

Voters can also use the County Clerk’s convenient One-Stop service to fill out their ballot and cast it in a secure collection box, all in the same visit.

Under a new state law, voters who opt to use the One-Stop service will need to show a New Jersey driver’s license or other New Jersey ID that provides their name, address and photo.

For complete details on all County Clerk election services, including Vote-By-Mail deadlines and extended office hours for One-Stop service, call 908-527-4996, download the free Union County Votes app or visit online at unioncountyvotes.com.

For additional services including passports and land records visit the main County Clerk website, ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.

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2019 Union County Arbor Day “Young Writers of Union County” poetry contest

Union County Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski and Freeholders Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded and Andrea Staten present resolutions of congratulations to the winners of the 2019 Union County Arbor Day “Young Writers of Union County” poetry contest. The 2019 winners are:

4th Grade

  • 1st Place –Adriana Fernandez, School No. 5, Linden
  • 2nd Place – Max Markho, Saint Bartholomew Academy, Scotch Plains
  • 3rd Place – Sharika Dhar, Mountain Park School, Berkeley Heights

5th Grade

  • 1st Place –Arianna Kaban, Jefferson School, Westfield
  • 2nd Place – Declan Corrigan, Holy Trinity, Westfield
  • 3rd Place – Leo Quinonez Ruggiero, Lincoln School, Garwood

6th Grade

  • 1st Place –Adam Schupak, Lincoln School, Garwood
  • 2nd Place – Richard Howard, Lincoln School, Garwood
  • 3rd Place – Annelyse Zaccaria, Holy Trinity School, Westfield

7th Grade  

  • 1st Place –Alyssa Schlauberg, Lincoln School, Garwood
  • 2nd Place – Jackie Link, Edison Intermediate School, Westfield
  • 3rd Place – Caroline Kircher, Edison Intermediate School, Westfield

8th Grade

  • 1st Place –Kelly Hanratty, Deerfield Middle School, Mountainside
  • 2nd Place – Aeden Paredes, Lincoln School, Garwood
  • 3rd Place – Mackenzie Cruz, Lincoln School, Garwood

All contestants ranging from grade 4 through grade 8 prepared an original work in an effort to promote Arbor Day and creatively show the importance of trees in Union County.

(Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

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SkillUP Union County with Metrix Learning

Self-paced online learning platform to enhance and add skills, build your resume, improve your marketability and increase your chances of getting the job you want by training for essential workplace skills. Register online at ucnj.metrixlearning.com