Lydia Watson of Plainfield was awarded First Place for Works on Paper by a Professional Artist for her artwork titled “Ride or Die.”
The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to present an exhibit of artworks awarded First Place in their respective media category in the recent Union County 2024 Senior Art Exhibit, which celebrates artwork created by county residents age 60 or above. Awards were selected by an independent panel of professional artists.
“This collection of artwork highlights the incredible talent and creativity of our senior residents,” said Union County Commissioner Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “Their works enrich our community, and the artists inspire us all with their dedication and commitment to their artistic visions.”
These exceptional, award-winning artworks are on view in the Commissioners’ Gallery until June 28. The public is invited to visit the Gallery on the 6th floor of the Union County Administration Building at 10 Elizabethtown Plaza in Elizabeth on weekdays from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm throughout the month of June.
First-place works by Non-professional artists are: Nicholas Florio (of Roselle Park); Monica Hillman (Scotch Plains); Joe Manzella (Cranford); Debbie Painter (Rahway); Cheryl Payne (Hillside); Jody Pfeiffer (Westfield); and Tami Schneider (Summit). First-place works by Professional artists are: Veronica Dunscombe (of New Providence); Kim Eckstrom (Fanwood); Marilyn Espinoza (Scotch Plains); Paul Federico (Scotch Plains); Diane Gallo (Summit); Marianne Jennings (Mountainside); Betsy Kozlowski (Summit); Leona Seufert (Garwood); Dorothy Siclare (Plainfield); Lydia Watson (Plainfield); and Louise Wheeler (New Providence).
Additional artists whose works were awarded First Place but are not currently on view, are: Luciano Felicio (of Union), Tatyana Kardonova (Springfield) and Peter Pagano (Clark).
From all of the artworks entered, Best of Show by a Non-Professional Artist was awarded to Monica Hillman of Scotch Plains. Best of Show by a Professional Artist was awarded to Veronica Dunscombe of New Providence.
All of the first-place artworks, including 3D work, will go on to the exhibit and competition in the 58th annual New Jersey State Senior Citizens Art Show at Meadow Lakes in East Windsor, which will be on view October 5–30, 2024.
To learn more about the programs and events organized by the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, call 908-558-2550 or email culturalinfo@ucnj.org.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners reminds residents that the deadline to register for the 10th annual Union County Women Mean Business Summit (UCWMB) is approaching. The event will take place on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Galloping Hill Golf Course, located at 3 Golf Drive in Kenilworth. To register, please visit www.ucnj.org/ucwmb/. The deadline to register is 12:00 p.m. noon on Monday, June 10th.
“This conference is a great opportunity to network and learn from fellow female entrepreneurs, managers, and aspiring businesswomen,” said Union County Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “Our expert presenters will address current topics relevant to women’s experiences and challenges in business today. Join us to expand your network and elevate your business.”
The UCWMB Conference will include breakfast and lunch, as well as two breakout sessions where attendees can choose from two presentations during each session.
9:40 a.m. – 10:40 a.m. – Session One
Finding Your Superpower: Recognizing the Extraordinary Within
Presented by: Lena Cohen Hawskins, MAHS
Lena Cohen-Hawkins is the Director of DEI, Culture, and Communications at Brother Industries. She is an International Speaker, 3x Best Selling Author, and Business Consultant who has worked with companies like CBS, Prudential, RWJ/Barnabas, Atlantic Health, and the U.S. Army. Lena has also been in service to numerous community organizations and spent several years as a legislative aide to Assemblywoman Cleopatra Tucker, 28th District State of NJ. She values her family, enjoys traveling with her husband, engaging in creative expression, and spending time with her 3-year-old French bulldog.
or Mission Possible: Unlocking the Success of Your Team
Presented by: Dr. Diane Brescher, CPTD
Dr. Diane Brescher, CPTD, is the President and Founder of GEM Leaders, a firm specializing in leadership development and coaching. With over 30 years of experience, she offers expertise in adult learning, leadership development, coaching, needs assessments, course design, competency mapping, facilitation, and leadership coaching for individuals and teams, focusing on emotional intelligence, change management, and dealing with resistance. Throughout her career, Diane has worked with leaders at all levels and across various industries, focusing on helping mid-level leaders tackle workplace challenges efficiently and effectively during workplace transitions.
Marissa Ruggiero is a senior Human Resources professional with a background in employment law. She currently serves as a People Business Partner Director for Ralph Lauren and has previously worked with Verizon and Bed Bath & Beyond. Marissa is active in the Springfield community and holds positions on several non-profit boards. She is a graduate of Rutgers University and Seton Hall Law School and resides in Springfield with her husband and daughter.
or Balanced Bliss: Strategies for Busy Women
Presented by: Dr. Carla J. Cooke
Dr. Carla J. Cooke, a Union County resident and CEO of Sound Psychological Assessment Center, is a renowned expert witness in legal cases involving discrimination and sexual assault. She advocates for trauma-informed psychological evaluations and has served as Assistant Commissioner for the prevention of child abuse and neglect in New Jersey. Dr. Cooke holds degrees in psychology from Bergen Community College and Rutgers University and is a licensed psychologist certified in EMDR.
Following the breakout sessions, there will be lunch, followed by this year’s keynote speaker, Adenah Bayoh, founder of Adenah Bayoh & Companies. Adenah Bayoh is a successful entrepreneur who escaped the civil war in Liberia at age 13 and immigrated to the United States. She is now one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the State of New Jersey, owning a total of seven restaurants, including 4 IHOP franchises. In addition to her restaurants, Adenah is a successful real estate developer, with a portfolio of several major residential and mixed-use projects across Northern New Jersey. Adenah is known for her philanthropic efforts and has received recognition for her achievements, including being appointed to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York Advisory Council on Small Business and Agriculture.
There will be several breaks throughout the event for open networking. Admission to the UCWMB Summit is $55 per person. To register, or for more information on this event, please visit ucnj.org/ucwmb/.
The 2024 Union County Women Mean Business Summit is a program organized by the Union County Department of Economic Development through the Office on Women. This event is made possible thanks to the generous support of sponsors including JCT Solutions, Atlantic Health, Kemper Sports, United Airlines, L’Oreal, and Union Catholic High School.
For more information about this event, please visit ucnj.org/ucwmb or contact Deana Mesaros at 908-527-4273.
Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi announces that vote-by-mail ballots are currently being mailed out for the Special Primary Election for the 10th congressional district to be held on July 16th.
This special primary election is being held to fill the seat of the late Congressman Donald Payne. The 10th congressional district includes the Union County municipalities of Cranford, Garwood, Hillside, Kenilworth, Linden (part), Roselle, Roselle Park and Union Township. Voters can log onto www.unioncountyvotes.com to see when the ballots for their towns are being mailed.
“We urge all residents to visit Union County Votes to check the status of their vote-by-mail ballots,” said Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi. “Keeping track of your ballot ensures your vote will be accurately represented in this Special Primary Election.”
For more information on voting in Union County elections, visit www.unioncountyvotes.com or call 908-527-4996.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to invite art enthusiasts, wildlife lovers, and nature admirers to visit the art exhibition titled “A Glimpse into the World of Wildlife in Watercolors,” featuring the renowned artist James Fiorentino. His artwork will be showcased at the Trailside Nature & Science Center until June 23rd.
“James Fiorentino has an extraordinary talent for capturing the beauty and emotions of nature’s creatures through his incredible artwork,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman, Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “I invite all art enthusiasts to visit the exhibit at Trailside before June 23rd. Come and experience the breathtaking beauty of these wildlife watercolor pieces firsthand. You may discover a piece that can bring vibrancy to any living space or find a special gift for a fellow art lover.”
The original artwork and printed giclées are available for purchase and will be displayed through June 23rd at Trailside Nature & Science Center, located in the Watchung Reservation at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside. Aside from special programs and events, Trailside welcomes all visitors free of charge every day from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., except for Mondays and major holidays. Attendees for the exhibit must be age 18 or older.
James Fiorentino (born 1977) is an American artist currently residing in Hunterdon County, NJ. He is a master in watercolor, and his artwork has received international recognition. Fiorentino’s professional career began during high school, and he became the youngest artist ever featured in the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum for his portrait of Reggie Jackson. In 1998, he became the youngest artist to be inducted into the prestigious New York Society of Illustrators, alongside renowned artists such as Norman Rockwell and Andrew Wyeth.
His works, which include landscapes, portraits, seascapes, still lifes, and animals, have been showcased in museums, galleries, and private collections around the world. His story has been featured on national television and in magazines, books, and newspapers. His evocative artwork inspires viewers with its lifelike depictions of rare wildlife in their natural habitats. His paintings truly bring wildlife to life on paper and help educate and engage viewers about the drastic declines that many of these species have faced. James’ work has won numerous awards and can be seen in books, magazines, and trading cards. He is also a trustee of the Raptor Trust of New Jersey and the D&R Greenway Land Trust.
For more information about upcoming programs and events at Trailside, visit http://www.ucnj.org/trailside or call 908-789-3670. For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities, visit the Green Connection at http://www.ucnj.org/green-connection. For more information about activities and programs of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation visit online at http://www.ucnj.org/parks, email parksinfo@ucnj.org, or call 908-527-4900.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners proudly invites nonprofit organizations to attend The New Fundamentals of Managing a Non-Profit, a free professional development workshop on Wednesday, June 12, 2024 from 3:30 to 5:00 pm, presented on Zoom by Pat Bohse, founder of Bohse & Associates, a firm that provides management and training to nonprofits.
Participants will learn about today’s best practices, policies and procedures for operating a successful nonprofit. Non-profit organizations help bridge the gaps that government and private sectors may not fully cover, offering a more inclusive and supportive community for all residents. The webinar will cover the fundamentals of strategic planning for resiliency; governance (board, staff and volunteers); financial management; and sustainability.
“Non-profit organizations in Union County play an important and necessary role in addressing community needs, from providing social services to supporting education and healthcare initiatives,” said Union County Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “This webinar will explain today’s best practices, policies, and procedures for running a successful nonprofit. These organizations help strengthen our community and improve the quality of life for many of our county residents.”
Organizations wanting to attend this free webinar on Wednesday, June 12th can register at https://ucnj.org/non-profit-workshop/. Organizations that receive funding through Union County’s Local Arts Grant (LAP), History Grant, and HEART Grant are encouraged to attend. Other non-profit organizations based in New Jersey are also welcome.
This workshop is coordinated and hosted by the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, and is made possible by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. For more information, contact the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, a division of the Department of Parks and Recreation, at culturalinfo@ucnj.org or 908-558-2550.
Union County Surrogate Christopher Hudakis proud to announce the Surrogate’s Court Office in Westfield will be expanding hours for probate and administration services. This expansion is part of the Surrogate Hudak’s 2024 initiatives, aimed at enhancing accessibility for Union County residents.
“The Westfield Office has proved both convenient and popular among county residents,” said Union County Surrogate Christopher Hudak. “We are shifting operating hours and tripling appointment capacity to meet the demand of the public.”
Starting June 3, 2024, appointments-only service will be offered at the Westfield Office on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The office is located in the County’s Colleen Fraser Building, 300 North Avenue East. Residents can conveniently schedule probate and administration appointments through the Surrogate’s Office website, https://ucnj.org/surrogate, or by contacting the Elizabeth office directly at 908-527-4280. The office hours are from 8:30am to 4:00pm, and the last appointment will be accepted at 3:15pm.
“Probate and administration services are essential for families experiencing loss. By expanding service in Westfield, our staff can make assistance with these emotional processes more straightforward and easier to access.”
Residents may now book new appointments. The launch of the Westfield office is part of an ongoing effort to modernize and increase accessibility to Surrogate’s Court services. The Surrogate looks forward to advancing the mission of ensuring efficient probate and administration procedures for all Union County residents.
In honor of Pride month, the Union County Board of County Commissioners invites all residents to their annual Pride Month flag raising on Monday, June 3rd at 12:30 p.m. on the front steps of the Union County Courthouse, located at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth.
“Union County is proud to stand with our LGBTQ+ community,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “I am honored to celebrate Pride Month with the raising of this flag, reminding us all that everyone deserves respect, love, and equal rights. Together, we can build a community where everyone is valued and celebrated for who they are.”
Keynote speakers include Adaryll Moore, an LGBTQ advocate and award-winning published author, and Bernie Wagenblast, a Cranford native and transportation journalist who voices announcements for various transportation facilities, including the voice on the New York City Subway. The National Anthem will be performed by Natalia Ocampo from the Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy in Elizabeth, and the program will conclude with Stefano Cotugno performing “This is Me” from The Greatest Showman as the flag is raised.
In addition to the Pride Flag raising on June 3rd, Union County is also hosting a 5K Color Run on Saturday, June 8th at Oak Ridge Park in Clark. Check-in opens up at 8:00am. The 5K kicks off at 9:00am, followed by the non-competitive Fun Run at 9:15am. Registration information can be found on http://www.ucnj.org/lgbtq.
The Union County Office of LGBTQ Affairs was established in 2018 under the Department of Economic Development, and provides a leadership and collaboration platform to support equality and action on issues affecting LGBTQ+ individuals. For more information about the Union County Office of LGBTQ Affairs, please visit http://www.ucnj.org/lgbtq. For any questions about Pride Month events, please contact Robert Charkowsky, LGBTQ Affairs Coordinator for the County of Union at rcharkowsky@ucnj.org.
Union County voters may use any of these locations for early in-person voting
Union County Board of Elections Administrator Nicole DiRado advises Union County residents that eight locations have been selected for those wishing to cast their vote early, in-person for the 2024 Primary Election. Any registered, Union County voter can use any of these sites to vote in-person, by machine from Wednesday, May 29 through Sunday June 2, 2024.
“New Jersey has expanded voters’ rights by introducing early voting in 2021,” said Ms. DiRado. “We encourage voters to use early voting, or a vote by mail ballot, to cast their vote ahead of Election Day. Making a plan to cast your vote is important and there are now more options in New Jersey than ever before.”
Cranford: Union College, 1033 Springfield Avenue, Nomahegan Building, Room N4, Near the Guard Booth – Parking in Lot 1
Elizabeth: Sampson Community Center, 800 Anna Street
New Providence: DeCorso Senior Center, 15 E. 4th Street
Plainfield: Union College, Church Street, Between E. 2nd & E. 3rd
Rahway: Rahway Recreation Center, 271 E. Milton Avenue
Roselle: Amalfe Community Center, 1268 Shaffer Avenue
Union Township: Union Township Senior Center, 652 Rahway Avenue
Union Township: Kean University, New Academic Building, corner of North Avenue and Morris Avenue, Lobby Access
All of these early voting locations will be open during the following hours:
Wednesday, May 29, 10am – 8pm
Thursday, May 30, 2023
Friday, May 31, 10am – 8pm
Saturday, June 1, 10am – 8pm
Sunday, June 2, 10am – 6pm
Upon arriving at an early voting location, voters will sign in on an electronic poll book. The electronic poll book will print a bar code on the ballot card so the voting machine knows which ballot to activate. The ballot card will be inserted into the voting machine which begins the process for the voter.
Please note that these locations are for machine voting only. Mail-in ballots cannot be submitted at these locations.
Voters who plan to use a mail-in ballot can deposit it in any of the twenty-four (24) Board of Elections’ secure drop boxes in Union County, return it to the Board of Elections by U.S. Postal Service, or hand-deliver it to the Board of Elections office in Elizabeth by June 4, 2024 at 8pm.
Voters who choose to vote in person on Election Day, June 4, must use their designated polling place.
For more information, including a list of drop box locations and an online polling place finder, visit the Board of Elections online at ucnj.org/ucboe, email ucboe@ucnj.org, or call 908-527-4123.
Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi reminds voters that her offices in Elizabeth and Westfield will be open for extended hours on Saturday, June 1st from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., for anyone seeking to obtain a Vote-by-Mail ballot for the 2024 Primary Election.
“The Saturday hours help ensure that everyone who applies for a Vote-by-Mail ballot can do so, without having to take time off from work or other weekday responsibilities,” said Ms. Rajoppi.
“I urge residents to exercise their right to vote in the Primary Election. On the ballot this year are important races including President, US Senate, House of Representatives as well as Commissioners. There are also local races in many municipalities,” Ms. Rajoppi added.
Voters who use the County Clerk’s One-Stop service can come to the Elizabeth or Westfield office, apply for their ballot, receive it, fill it out, and deposit it in a secure drop-box on site, all in the same visit. Privacy booths are located at the offices for voters to fill out their ballot.
The office locations and hours are:
Union County Courthouse
Located at 2 Broad Street, Room 113, Elizabeth
Regular hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm
Open on Saturday, June 1, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm for Vote-by-Mail
Colleen Fraser Building
Located at 300 North Avenue East (Union County services complex), Westfield
Regular hours: Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 8:00am – 4:00pm; Tuesday and Thursday, 8:00am – 7:30pm; Saturday, June 1, 9:00am – 1:00pm
For more information about the County Clerk’s election services visit unioncountyvotes.com or contact the Elections Division at 908-527-4996 or ucvote@ucnj.org. For more information about all County Clerk programs and services, visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners, in partnership with the Gateway Family YMCA, is pleased to announce the return of free swimming lessons for county youth and seniors at our Walter E. Ulrich Memorial Pool in Rahway, this summer.
“Water safety is a vital tool that every person should have, especially our children and senior citizens,” said Union County Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “These two groups of people are most at risk for drowning incidents, and it is the number one cause of death in children ages 1-4 years old. These free classes will empower them to have a safe and healthy summer, and will give everyone the knowledge and practice needed to stay safe near water. Our senior swimming exercises lessons not only give our elderly population a chance to exercise in a low-impact environment, but allows them a chance to socialize in our spacious county pool. I urge everyone from our youth and senior populations to take advantage of these lessons.”
Children/participants must reside in low-income households, they must check off one of the qualifying criteria and provide proof with their enrollment: QCT, TANF, SNAP, NSLP, SBP, Medicare Part D, SSI, Head Start and Early Head Start, Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women (WIC), Section 8 Housing, LIHEAP, and Pell Grants or be the age of 65 and above.
Swimming lessons will take place at the Walter E. Ulrich Memorial Pool, located at 3 Parkway Drive in Rahway. A variety of courses have been designed for both children and senior citizens:
Youth Beginner: Students develop comfort with underwater exploration and focus on body position and control, directional change, and forward movement in the water while also continuing to practice how to safely exit in the event of falling into a body of water. Classes will meet once a week for 8 weeks with a ratio of 1 instructor per six students. Thursday classes will meet once a week for 7 weeks due to the July 4th holiday.
Youth Basic Lesson: Students learn how to swim to safety from a longer distance than in previous stages through stroke technique in front crawl and back crown while also introducing rhythmic breathing and integrated arm and leg action. Water safety is reinforced through treading water and rolling to their back to float. Classes will meet once a week for 8 weeks with a ratio of 1 instructor per six students. Thursday classes will meet once a week for 7 weeks due to the July 4th holiday.
Senior Adult Lesson: Students develop comfort with underwater exploration and focus on body position and control, directional change, and forward movement in the water while also continuing to practice safety skills like rolling to their backs and floating. Classes will meet once a week for 8 weeks with a ratio of 1 instructor per six students. Thursday classes will meet once a week for 7 weeks due to the July 4th holiday.
Senior Water Exercise: Participants engage in exercise through low impact movements while focusing on muscle toning and cardio endurance. This is especially helpful for those seeking the ability to exercise without jarring their joints. Classes will meet once a week for 8 weeks.
For more information about eligibility requirements and to register for lessons, visit www.ucnj.org/swim. To learn about the various programs offered by the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation, visit www.ucnj.org/parks.
