Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ – The Union County Commission on the Status of Women is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2019 Women of Excellence Awards. Eleven Union County women were cited for their outstanding contributions at the January 24^th meeting of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

“For 27 years, the Freeholder Board has recognized women among us who lead, serve, and inspire. Today it is more important than ever to raise awareness about the influence of women in every sphere of the Union County community, from business and legal affairs to public service and education,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “These awards recognize the contributions made by women who make a positive difference in the quality of life for everyone in the County.”

The Union County women being recognized for their accomplishments by the Commission on the Status of Women are:

Amy Cairns of Summit, Government Service

Antonietta LaVecchia of Summit, Business/Community Activist

Clea Carchia of Rahway, Arts/Graphic Design

Dawn McDonald of Scotch Plains, Education

Dr. Julia Grimes of Westfield, Medicine/Health & Wellness

Iliana Chevres of Elizabeth, Special Needs Advocacy

Kay Coats Macrae of Springfield, Theater Arts

Marlene Olson Hamm of Rahway, Environmental Advocacy

Mary Zimmermann of Summit, Lifetime Achievement

Michele Dabal of New Providence, Humanitarian Activities

Sandra Jackson of Linden, Youth Advocacy

The awardees will be honored at the annual Women of Excellence Gala Awards Dinner, to be held on March 29, 2019 at the Gran Centurions in Clark.

Each awardee will be presented with an engraved Women of Excellence plaque and a Freeholder Resolution in their honor recognizing their impact on the Union County community.

The Women of Excellence awards are sponsored by the Freeholder Board and the Union County Commission on the Status of Women, with the Union County Office on Women. 

For any questions or to get more information about the Women of Excellence awards program, contact Elizabeth Sebring, Union County Department of Human Services, at 908-527-4890 or esebring@ucnj.org or Jen Erdos, Secretary to the Commission on the Status of Women, at 908-527-4216 or jerdos@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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Jaime Segal (908) 709-7501
Nicole Torella (908) 709-7112

Union County College is waiving tuition for Union County residents who are impacted/furloughed employees and/or their dependents. At the announcement on January 25, 2019, Union’s President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin was joined by the College’s Board of Trustees Chairman Victor M. Richel and Union County Freeholder Sergio Granados, on behalf of Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski, at the College’s Elizabeth campus.

“By providing tuition waivers, we hope to help ease the financial stress on our students during this difficult time. We want them to be able to put food on the table, pay their rent or mortgage, and stay in school,” stated Board of Trustees Chairman Richel. “Student success is our priority.”

“Union County College’s decision to offer tuition waivers is another way in which we can help support Union County residents during this difficult time. We are thankful to the College for taking this proactive step,” stated Union County Freeholder Chair Kowalski.

There are an estimated 460 federal employees who live in Union County. The government shutdown is currently the longest in the nation’s history. Tuition waivers aim to ease the financial burden on furloughed federal employees by allowing students to continue their education. Individuals who are eligible should visit a Student Services Center in Cranford, Elizabeth, or Plainfield to register for the College’s Later Start semester which begins on February 4, 2019.

Union County College is a public comprehensive community college providing quality, affordable, accessible educational programs that serve the greater Union County region. The first of New Jersey’s 19 Associate degree colleges, Union County College has been serving both career-minded and transfer-oriented students since 1933. The College enrolls almost 20,000 credit, non-credit and continuing education students and is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Many programs lead to the Associate in Arts, Science and Applied Science degrees.

Union County, NJ – On January 24, students in the UC STEP youth development program were presented with resolutions by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, congratulating them on winning the 2019 UC Step Civic Engagement challenge. UC STEP is a Freeholder initiative that provides high school students with opportunities to create countywide community service programs.

Each December, students from throughout Union County gather at the annual UC STEP Summit, where they divide into teams and participate in leadership workshops. As a highlight of the day’s activities, each team creates a countywide community service program. The winning campaigns are supported by the Freeholder Board each spring.

More than 200 students participated in the UC STEP summit last December.

“This year we asked our UC STEP participants for their ideas on the theme of suicide prevention. Their responses impressed us with their thoughtfulness, sensitivity, and grasp of the issues. We have combined two of them into one campaign, to make an even bigger impact,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski.

The new campaign is called “Link Up for Life-5K.” It combines a 5-K fundraiser with a display of linked-together messages. The display is intended to represent support for those who are struggling.

“Through this fundraising event and the display of messages, we hope to demonstrate that Union County residents are aware of and care about supporting family, friends and strangers alike who need a guiding light in troubled times,” said Freeholder Chair Kowalski.

Funds raise through Link Up for Life-5K will benefit Caring Contact, an award-winning, volunteer-staffed caring and crisis hotline and listening community serving the central and northern New Jersey community. Caring Contact is based in Westfield.

The winning campaigns were created by students in the Color Group Orange and the Color Group Blue teams.

The Color Group Orange participants are Lily Gull – Arthur L. Johnson High School; Estalin J. Jadan – Alexander Hamilton Preparatory Academy – Jasalyn Hardy – Admiral William F. Halsey Leadership Academy; Miguel Campusano and Joseph Espinal – J. Christian Bollwage Finance Academy; Izabella Pinto-Cranford High School; Alexis Pinto – David Brearly High School; Sean McMahon-Governor Livingston High School Omar Chambers-Hillside High School; Ambar Concepcion-John E. Dwyer Technology Academy- Tiffany Gonzalez-Rahway High School; Michele Kamienski-Roselle Park High School-Brooke Arnold – New Providence High School-India Hill-Thomas A. Edison Career and Technical Academy; Lourdes Castillo A. Contreras- Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy-Cynthia Diaz and Grace Lawal-U.C. TEAMS; Kayla Hsu-Union County Vocational-Technical Schools and Taylor Phillips-Union High School.

The Color Group Blue participants are Andres Rodriguez and Eduardo Martinez-Alexander Hamilton Preparatory Academy; Manuela Lopes-Admiral William F. Halsey Leadership Academy; Maryann Atlalla and Briana Nicole Evelyn-Benedictine Academy; Erin Lynskey-Cranford High School; Nick Tarabokia and David Martinez-Governor Livingston High School; Adamaris Vizueth and Jason Alvarez-John E. Dwyer Technology Academy;  Derrick Cosby Hurling and Emily Sznurkowski-Linden High School, Samuel Dorielan-Rahway High School; Matthew L. Burgos and Nina Worthey-Roselle Catholic High School; Justin Cabarle and Sarah Lippin-Roselle Park High School; Antoinette Chango-Scotch Pains-Fanwood High School; Scott Cohen, Summit High School; Larithsa Alcino- Thomas A. Edison Career and Technical Academy– Vocational Education High School and Serenity Nova-Union High School.

The Link Up for Life-5K event will take place on April 13. Additional details will be available shortly.

UC STEP stands for Union County Student Training and Enrichment Program. For more information about UC STEP visit ucnj.org/uc-step.

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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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MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders presents special programs for families during the Presidents’ Day Holiday weekend.  Programs are recommended for families with children ages five and up.  

“February Festivities at Trailside offers a unique variety of entertaining programs to delight people of all ages,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski.

Register online at ucnj.org/trailside.   

Throughout the weekend families are invited to enjoy two special matinee programs that are sure to capture the imagination of young and old.  On Saturday, February 16 Meet LIVE Birds of Prey with a guest speaker from the Tenafly Nature Center. 

Hawks, owls, falcons and eagles have special adaptations that help them survive in the wild. The audience is sure to be captivated with these magnificent animals through demonstrations, hands-on artifacts and, of course, LIVE birds of prey.

On Monday, February 18 adults and children will enjoy an afternoon filled with the perfect blend of magic, audience participation, comedy and excitement in Magic With Joe Fischer.  Matinees begin at 1:30 p.m. and space is limited.

Tickets go on sale at the Visitor Service Desk at 1:00 p.m. on the day of each program.  No strollers please.  The fee is $5.00 per person and $4.00 for seniors. 

Trailside proudly welcomes Wild Birds Unlimited of Scotch Plains to investigate our neighborhood owls.  On February 16 or 18 from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. families are invited to learn about our local owls in Hoo-Hoo Eats Who? Find out how to identify these owls by their calls and explore the special adaptations that make them excellent hunters.

Owls often swallow their prey whole, but parts like teeth, skulls, claws and feathers are too dangerous to pass through the owl’s digestive tract.  These items are expelled by the owl in the form of a pellet.  Families will work together to dissect sterilized owl pellets and identify the skeletal remains of the owl’s prey species. 

A Wild Birds Unlimited bird feeding display will be featured in the lobby throughout the February Festivities event.  Find out what types of seed can be used to attract goldfinch, cardinals and other song birds to your backyard.  Learn about feeders that are frequented by woodpeckers and discover some clever squirrel proofing solutions that prevent squirrels from stealing your seed.

The Journey of Sap to Syrup meets 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 16 or Monday, February 18.  Learn the process of how 100% real maple syrup is made from the sap of the sugar maple tree.  Find out what equipment is needed to collect sap and take a walk to see a tapped sugar maple tree.  Take part in a taste test to see if you can identify the real thing. 

Animal Clue Winter Walk and Campfire, is offered 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 16 or Monday, February 18.  Have fun on a short walk to look for buck rubs, animal tracks, nibbled twigs and other signs that tell us our animal neighbors have visited.  Conclude your outdoor investigation around a warm campfire with hot chocolate and marshmallows.

Registration is required for all family programs and the fee for each workshop is $5/person for residents of Union County and $6/person for out-of-county residents. Walk-ins are welcomed as space permits.

For additional information about the special programs and matinees offered during February Festivities, winter workshops, teacher training 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.

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Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski, and Freeholders Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded and Sergio Granados today joined with Human Services Administrators and employees in Elizabeth as they gathered food, diapers and hygiene products to be distributed to federal employees impacted by the shutdown and also for residents of Union County that have applied for SNAP and need emergency assistance.  The efforts are being organized through the Freeholder Board and through the Division of Social Services.

l. to r. Division of Social Services Director Charles Gillon, Freeholder Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded,  Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski,  Division of Social Service employees Felice Twaddle and  Tina Lopez, Human Services Director Debbie-Ann Anderson,  and Freeholder Sergio Granados.

Residents are welcome to continue to contribute 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 2^nd 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. For More Information: Contact the Office of Community Engagement & Diversity Office: Nathalie Hernandez, nahernandez@ucnj.org

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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