Category: Public Info

Union County Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados and Freeholders Linda Carter, Alexander Mirabella, Angela R. Garretson and Angel G. Estrada present the Chester Holmes Humanitarian Award to lifelong Elizabeth resident Kim Nesbitt Good during the Union County 2018 Black History Month Celebration at the UCPAC in Rahway. They were joined by members of the Holmes and Nesbitt Good families.

Kim Nesbitt Good is the proprietor of the Nesbitt Funeral Home in Elizabeth with her husband of 39 years, Ted. Her insistence on the highest standards in her profession is matched by her efforts on behalf of the African American community in and around Union County. She has been honored by scores of local, state, federal and national organizations, highlighted by receiving the Presidential Pin from President Barack Obama in recognition of her extraordinary service to others.

The Freeholder Board created the award in honor of the late former Freeholder Chester Holmes.

(Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County, NJ – As part of Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados’s 2018 Union County Plant a Seed grants initiative, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that the Union County Means Green Community Garden Grants program is now accepting applications for grants to start a community garden, or to expand or improve an existing community garden.

“Union County Means Green is funded by the Freeholder Board to help children and adults connect with the experience of growing fresh produce in their communities, leading to improved nutrition as well as opportunities for education, recreation, social activities, community service and neighborhood beautification.”

“People of all ages and abilities can enjoy the empowering experience of growing fresh food in their communities, learn about agriculture, and discover how even a small plot of land can yield a bountiful harvest,” Granados added. “Educating gardeners on best practices for a healthy and successful garden is also an important part of this program.”

The Union County Means Green Community Garden Grants program is funded by the Freeholder Board with the goal of enabling more County residents to experience the benefits of growing fresh produce in their neighborhoods. It is part of Chairman Granados’s “Union County Plant a Seed” educational and individual empowerment initiative for 2018.

“Grants from Union County Means Green have helped to transform empty fields and bare lots into thriving gardens that are centers for community activities, with thousands of pounds of fresh produce consumed and donated to local food pantries,” said Freeholder Bruce Bergen, who launched the program when he served as Chairman in 2016. “It is exciting to look forward to another productive year, and I thank Chairman Granados and my colleagues on the Freeholder Board for continuing to support and build on the program.”

Union County Means Green grants include pre-budgeted $1,250.00 all-in-one packages for starting new gardens, $500.00 block grants for expanding or improving gardens (including the purchase of equipment and supplies), and Garden Innovations grants for pollinator, hydroponic and high tunnel gardens.

“The pre-budgeted grant packages have been especially popular because they take all the guesswork out of ordering supplies, coordinating deliveries and setting up new beds,” said Granados. “This year we are expanding the program to include raised beds, Earth Boxes and specially designed waste-high beds, to help make gardening more accessible for young children, seniors and persons with disabilities.”

Funding from the Union County Means Green Community Garden Grants program is available to non-profit organizations with 501(c)(3) tax exempt status, and to municipal entities including public libraries, senior centers and community centers.

Other volunteer groups and civic organizations are welcome to apply for a grant, but they must designate a municipal or 501(c)(3) organization to receive the funds. The grant partner will accept the award on behalf of the garden and ensure that the funds are disbursed in accordance with the grant guidelines.

Applications for a 2018 grant are due by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 16. Union County will notify grant recipients on or about Friday, March 23.

For more details and a downloadable application form, visit Union County at ucnj.org/ garden-grants, or contact Groundwork Elizabeth, 908-289-0262 or info@groundworkelizabeth.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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Union, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites residents and visitors to come and listen to an American Salvation Army volunteer describe her experiences on the battlefield of France in 1918, when Union County’s celebration of Women’s History Month features Ms. Laurie MacDonald-Gaulke, actress and storyteller, in a special free presentation of “Doughnuts for Doughboys: A Salvation Army Lassie in France.”

Doughnuts for Doughboys will take place on Wednesday, March 21, at 6:30 p.m. in the Liberty Hall Carriage House at Kean University, 1033 Morris Avenue in Union.

“As we face a challenging time in our nation’s history, it is all the more important to celebrate and recognize all the ways that women shape our past, influence our present and lead us into the future,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “Doughnuts for Doughboys” is an exceptional performance that exposes a hidden corner of World War I history in sharp, compelling detail.”

Approximately 500 Salvation Army volunteers during WWI were young women who served with the American Army in France. In this engaging performance the audience will discover that between frying up doughnuts, writing letters for the boy’s for the folks back home, and mending uniforms or ministering to souls on the ravaged battlefields of France, these young women answered the call to ”place God in deeds” and became the darlings of the doughboys.

Using the volunteers’ own words as recorded in diaries, letters and interviews, Laurie MacDonnell-Gaulke breathes life into history and the everyday people who create it. With the use of primary sources, she specializes in creating historical portrayals of real women with real stories to tell as she strives to present each character in a historically, culturally and socially accurate manner.

With a degree in cultural anthropology along with her research skills and talent as an actress and storyteller, Laurie brings historical figures to life in an entertaining and educational way. Participation in WWI re-enacting and vintage dancing along with an avid interest in period etiquette and manners also give her the knowledge to ensure that her portrayals are believable as well as entertaining.

Her credits include performances at William Paterson University, Caldwell College, University of Delaware, Military Through the Ages in Williamsburg, Virginia; local chapters of the NJ DAR, Belvidere Victorian Days, the Morris Museum, Fosterfields Living History Farm, statewide historical societies and Women’s Clubs.  Also, during 1996-1997 she was an artist in residence at The George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum in Springfield, Massachusetts.

The 2018 Women’s History Month Celebration is sponsored by the Freeholder Board through the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs in the Department of Parks and Recreation, and is funded in part by a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a Division of Cultural Affairs in the Department of State.

For more information on all Cultural and Heritage programs visit ucnj.org, email jprescott@ucnj.org or call 908-436-2912.

 

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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 Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados and Union County Office of Veteran Services Coordinator Janna Williams joined Mike Boll and Frank “Doc” Shupp of the New Jersey Veterans Network in thanking Joseph O’Neill, owner of Benner’s Auto Body in Cranford, as he presented disabled veteran Manny Archille with the donation of a car he refurbished. Mr. Archille served in the Gulf War with the US Marine Corps.

Through the National Auto Body Council’s Recycled Rides™ program, the GEICO insurance company provided Benner’s Auto Body with two cars that were totaled in accidents. Mr. O’Neill and his shop were then responsible to repair the vehicles to be ready for donation to a charity.

Working with the New Jersey Veterans Network Mr. O’Neill made contact with Mr. Archille through the Abundant Life Worship Center of Springfield.

Benner Auto Body is currently refurbishing the second car from GEICO to be donated to a veteran in need.

For more information about the New Jersey Veterans Network, visit http://njvn.org/.

(Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce, the 2018 Family PRIDE CommUNITY Picnic, scheduled for Saturday, June 16, 2018 from 12:00 noon until 5:00 p.m. at Rahway River Park in Rahway. Admission is free to this inclusive celebration of family, equality, diversity and community.

“Standing firmly in support of equality, inclusion and unity, the Freeholder Board is proud to offer LGBTQ and ally parents, teens, children and advocacy groups a place to connect, support and celebrate together,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “Pride events matter – in addition to celebrating who you are, Pride events raise awareness of inequalities and provide a platform for support and acceptance of all people. The Freeholder Board is proud to bring together our diverse community and public figures with shared values of justice and equality to use our voice to celebrate unity and promote equality.”

A celebration of all families, Union County’s Family PRIDE CommUNITY Picnic will feature music, a variety of arts and crafts (featuring the “LOVE Makes a Family” poster making), family lawn games (think giant jenga-style stacking blocks), inflatable bounce houses for all ages, playground fun, and many other family activities. Families are invited to pack a picnic, a blanket or lawn chairs and head out to the park for an afternoon of fun! Food trucks will also be on site for those who wish to purchase lunch.

A Family Equality Rally will kick off at 2:30 p.m. with special guest speakers and performances. Bring a hand-held signs that celebrates the strength of our diversity.

“As a Freeholder representing the interests of all Union County residents, I believe it is extremely important to lead our communities toward acceptance of all people and advocate for full equality,” said Freeholder Alexander Mirabella, liaison to the Union County LGBTQ Ad Hoc Committee. “The Family PRIDE CommUNITY Picnic provides an opportunity for our community to stand in unity to celebrate our diversity and support each other.”

New Jersey LGBTQ advocacy and ally organizations will be set up on site all day with general information, as well as support and networking resources.

Organized by the Office of LGBTQ Services and the Department of Parks and Recreation, the Family PRIDE CommUNITY Picnic is an inclusive community event for LGBTQ families, allies and advocacy groups.

In January, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders announced the launch of the new Office of LGBTQ Services. Established as part of Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados’ 2018 Moving Union County Forward initiatives, the new LGBTQ office is the first county government office of its kind in the State of New Jersey.

“The current administration in Washington has created a platform to discriminate and create an environment of fear,” noted Chairman Granados. “Through the Office of LGBTQ Services, the County is dedicated to building awareness of needed protections and advocating for LGBTQ equality, in addition we will be persistent in advancing programs, resources and services to support LGBTQ individuals and their allies.”

The Union County Office of LGBTQ Services, under the Division of Outreach and Advocacy in the Department of Human Services, will provide a platform for leadership and collaboration to support equality, and serve as a catalyst for advocacy, awareness and action on current and emerging issues that impact the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals. For more information about the Office of LGBTQ Services, contact Danni Newbury, Coordinator, at 908-527-4742 or dnewbury@ucnj.org.

For more information about the Family PRIDE CommUNITY Picnic visit ucnj.org/Pride, or find the UC Family PRIDE CommUNITY Picnic event page at Facebook.com/CountyOfUnion, or call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-527-4900.

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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.

Union County, NJ – Union County seniors and caregivers can visit any of five convenient locations in February to use ASK, the Aging Services Kiosk. ASK enables seniors and caregivers to meet with expert staff from the county’s Department of Human Services Division on Aging, and connect with helpful resources and programs.

“The ASK programs brings experts from our central office out to local communities, so that seniors can get personal guidance and assistance close to their homes,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “It’s an especially important service in the winter months, when travel can be difficult.”

Information is available for home delivered meals, respite care, home care, adult day care and other support services for seniors and caregivers. Assistance with completing applications and forms is also provided.

The February 2018 dates and locations are:

Friday, February 9

Mountainside Municipal Building

1385 Route 22 East

Mountainside, 07092

12:30 am – 2:30 pm

 

Thursday, February 15

Plainfield Public Library

800 Park Avenue

Plainfield, 07060

10:00 am to 12:00 noon

 

Wednesday, February 21

Fanwood Public Library

5 Forest Road

Fanwood, 07023

10:00 am to 12:00 noon

 

Monday, February 26

Summit Public Library

75 Maple Street

Summit, 07901

10:30 am to 12:30 pm

 

Tuesday, February 27

Union Public Library

1980 Morris Avenue

Union, 07083

12:00 noon to 2:00 pm

ASK is an ongoing program of the Union County Department of Human Services. Check for upcoming dates and locations in local newspapers and website, follow Union County on social media, visit Union County online at ucnj.org, or call the Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection toll-free at 888-280-8226, or at 908-527- 4870 or 908-527-4858.

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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.

Union County, NJ – Union County residents seeking information about services for seniors age 60 and up can visit the “ASK” Aging Services Kiosk program at eight convenient locations in February to speak with staff from the county’s Department of Human Services Division on Aging. ASK will be available at public libraries or municipal buildings in Clark, Winfield, Fanwood, Union, Mountainside, Plainfield, Linden, and Summit.

“The ASK programs brings experts from our central office out to local communities, so that seniors can get personal guidance and assistance close to their homes,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “It’s an especially important service in the winter months, when travel can be difficult.”

In the ASK community outreach effort, staff from the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection travel throughout Union County providing information about home delivered meals, respite care, home care, adult day care and other support services for seniors and caregivers.

All residents may attend any of the ASK events on the schedule.

“The goal is make it easier to access information that helps seniors enjoy a more comfortably and healthful life, so if you don’t see your municipality on this month’s schedule, you may visit any of the others,” said Granados.

Assistance with completing applications and forms is also provided.

The February 2018 dates and locations are:

The goal of the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection 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, a state initiative that Union County has embraced since 2012, is designed to improve service for seniors and the disabled,” said Union County’s Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “These services can enable seniors and the disabled to remain in their homes and communities,” Freeholder Granados added.

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 or visit the Union County government website at www.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.

The Freeholder Board is pleased to announce Worldwide Flight Service is looking to hire County residents for 50 full-time positions through the Union County Workforce Innovation Business Center.

“I would like to thank World Flight Service for partnering with us to create these full time jobs for County residents,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados, who is the Freeholder liaison to the Union County Workforce Innovation Business Center.

Interviews are being held by the Union County Workforce Innovation Business Center in Elizabeth, in partnership between the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and Union County College. Pre-registration is required. Please visit www.ucnj.org/jobs for more information and to RSVP.

Union County, NJ – Union County is offering a free yoga, meditation class and emotional wellness event for women titled, “International Women’s Day – The Time is Now,” on Friday evening, March 9, at Maskers Barn in the historic Deserted Village of Feltville. The event is the latest edition in a free series conducted through the Department of Human Services Division on Outreach and Advocacy’s Office on Women.

“This wellness series represents the steady growth of Union County’s recreational and educational programs to embrace new activities and meet a wider range of interests,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “We want to ensure that every resident has the opportunity to engage with popular new pastimes that contribute to overall health and well- being.” 

• A short talk and introduction with time to network.
• Yoga session by Nicole DeAugustine, certified yoga instructor.
• Guided meditation ceremony with Rosie Lazroe, RYT & YACEP.
• Fire ceremony.
• Light snacks provided by Whole Foods.

“International Women’s Day – The Time is Now” begins at 6:00 p.m. on March 9 and is expected to conclude at approximately 9:00 p.m.

Attendees should wear comfortable clothing appropriate for yoga, and bring their own yoga mats.

The event is free but space is limited. Pre-registration is required online at ucnj.org/women.

The Deserted Village is located in the Berkeley Heights section of Union County’s Watchung Reservation. Masker’s Barn is a fully renovated 19th century building located at 9 Cataract Hollow Road in the Deserted Village, off Glenside Avenue.

The Office on Women was created in 2016. As the first county-based office of its kind in New Jersey, the Office on Women aims to help ensure that women connect with services and programs that enable them to reach their full potential at every stage of their lives, in education, in employment and business, health and in the social fabric of Union County, and to raise awareness of the many contributions that women make to life in Union County.

For additional details contact Jennifer Erdos, Union County Office on Women at jerdos@ucnj.org.

International Women’s Day is a project of UN Women. It falls on March 8 this year with the theme, “Time is Now: Rural and urban activists transforming women’s lives.”

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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.