County of Union, New JerseyDefault category for all normal press releases
Union County Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados and Freeholder Angel G. Estrada present a resolution to Elizabeth Councilman Frank Cuesta recognizing and commending him for his efforts with Elizabeth’s Promise Awards Inc. Elizabeth’s Promise is a non-profit organization that dedicates one hundred percent of its gross proceeds to the college-related costs of deserving Elizabeth high school seniors. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)
The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders marks International Day Against Homophobia & Transphobia (IDAHOT) today, May 17, and sends a message of solidarity against homophobia, transphobia, biphobia, and all forms of hate facing LGBTQ people in our communities and across the globe.
This year’s IDAHOT theme is “alliances for solidarity,” because progress is possible together. The Freeholder Board calls upon the people of Union County to eliminate prejudice everywhere it exists, and to celebrate the great diversity of all people.
For many people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ), community environments where we live, learn, work, play and pray are unsafe and unwelcoming spaces.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), homophobia (and other forms of bias hate) can affect one’s physical and mental health, including increased risk of depression and suicide. Homophobia can also result in limiting access to high quality health care, and negatively affect income and employment status.
Today, we recognize IDAHOT to raise awareness of violence, discrimination, and repression of LGBTQ communities locally and worldwide – which in turn provides an opportunity to take action and engage in dialogue to strengthen alliances, build acceptance and advance equal rights.
May is National Community Action Month which was created by the Community Action Partnership to highlight Community Action Agencies’ role in helping low-income individuals and families to move out of poverty and achieve economic security.
During National Community Action Month and throughout the year, Community Action Agencies put a human face on poverty while helping people and changing lives. For 54 years they have advocated for limited-income citizens without a voice, so that they may enter the middle class and reach for the American dream, replacing their despair with opportunity. Community Action builds and promotes economic stability as an essential aspect of enabling and enhancing stronger communities, which in turn promotes self-sufficiency, ensuring that all Americans are able to live in dignity. Community Action has enhanced the lives of hundreds of people in Union County and millions of people across America by providing essential, life-changing services and opportunities such as housing, job training and placement, nutritional services; health care, energy assistance, linkages to entitlement and workforce development programs; and behavioral health counseling for substance abuse and mental health.
National Community Action Month is an opportunity to call attention to poverty-related problems. As Community Action Agencies are showcasing their programs, they are also giving local residents—many who are unaware of the poverty in their communities—a first-hand look at the struggles low-income families face and how Community Action programs help them.
In honor of National Community Action Month, Jewish Family Service of Central New Jersey, The Gateway Family YMCA, PROCEED, Inc. and The Salvation Army of Elizabeth will join Community Action Agencies across the country in hosting events and activities in the month of May. For over 50 years, Community Action Agencies have assisted millions of low-income Americans in achieving financial stability through a variety of programs.
Union County, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi announces that sample ballots for the June 5 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.
“The mobile app and website enable voters to see their sample ballots quickly and conveniently on their computers, laptops and other devices,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “As always, my office is also mailing sample ballots by U.S. Post to each eligible voter.”
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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Please note: due to the weather forecast, tonight’s concert originally located at Echo Lake Park is now MOVED INDOORS to the Main Stage of the Union County Performing Arts Center, at 1601 Irving Street in Rahway.
Come an enjoy an evening with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra at this beautifully restored 1920’s era former vaudeville hall. Concert begins at 7:30 sharp (sorry, no yoga tonite).
More information on the Union County Performing Arts Center: ucpac.org.
Orchestra will kick off Union County’s Summer Arts Festival Series with program featuring Broadway favorites, opera overtures and more
MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ—The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders are pleased to announce the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra (NJSO) will kick off the 57th annual Summer Arts Festival Concert Series at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside on Friday June 22nd at 7:30 p.m.
Settle in under a starry sky and enjoy glorious Broadway songs and rousing opera overtures with the NJSO. Watch the fireflies dance along to the overture from Crazy for You and catch a glimpse of a shooting star during Rossini’s fiery overture to William Tell.
The show is free, and visitors are urged to pack a picnic basket, bring lawn chairs or blankets. Refreshments and snacks will also be available from vendors. As with all festival concerts throughout the Summer, attendees can also participate in Union County Get Fit Yoga program beginning at 6:30 p.m. Bring a mat or beach towel and participate in the healthy activities for the entire family. In the event of rain, the concert (only) will be held on the same date and time at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway.
“What a great way to kick off our summer of music with New Jersey’s own Orchestra bringing live symphonic music to our community,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “We encourage our residents to enjoy the music under the stars, and a memorable night of classical entertainment.”
Named “a vital, artistically significant musical organization” by The Wall Street Journal, the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra (NJSO) embodies that vitality through its statewide presence and critically acclaimed performances, education partnerships and unparalleled access to music and the Orchestra’s superb musicians.
The NJSO presents classical, pops and family programs, as well as outdoor summer concerts and special events throughout the state. For more information about the NJSO, please go to http://www.njsymphony.org/
The other free concerts in the Union County Summer Arts Festival series are scheduled for Wednesday nights throughout July in Echo Lake and then in August at Oak Ridge Park in Clark:
Echo Lake Park, Mountainside
June 22 New Jersey Symphony Orchestra
July 11th Black Dog (The Led Zeppelin Tribute)
July 18th 5 Against 1 (Tribute to Pearl Jam)
July 25th The Vinny’s / Katfish Lucy
Oak Ridge Park, Clark
August 1st JoBonanno & the Godsons of Soul
August 8th American Rapture
August 15th Brother John Brown (The Woodstock Era)
August 22nd Dead On Live (The Grateful Dead Experience)
Pool to open Memorial Day weekend, May 26-28th
The Union County Freeholder Board announced today that the Walter E. Ulrich Memorial Pool located in Rahway River Park in Rahway will open Memorial Day weekend, the pool’s earliest opening date ever.
“We are pleased to be offering our residents an increased recreational opportunity by extending our pool schedule this year,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “I would like to thank our County Manager Ed Oatman and our Parks Director, Ron Zuber and his staff for working efficiently and quickly to have Ulrich Pool open so that our families and residents who are out and about on the holiday weekend can enjoy this great facility.”
Ulrich Pool will be open from 12-5 p.m., May 26th (Saturday), 27th (Sunday) and May 28th (Monday). The pool will then open from noon-5 p.m. on weekends–June 2,3,9,10,16 and 17. Beginning June 24th the pool will operate on a seven-day-a-week schedule, Monday to Thursday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Holiday hours, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. The pool will close on Labor Day, September 3rd. Anyone wishing information can call the pool during its operating hours at: 732-381-4045.
Daily admission is: Youth (17 and under)/Seniors (62 and over) $4 for in-county residents and $8 for out-of-county residents; adults $5 for in-county-residents, and $10 for out-of-county residents.
The pool is named in honor of the former Union County Freeholder, Walter E. Ulrich, a resident of Rahway who served on the Board in the ‘60s and ‘70s.
President John F. Kennedy declared the first Peace Officers Memorial Day on May 15, 1962, as a tribute to peace officers and in honor of peace officers who, through their courageous deeds, lost their lives or became disabled in the line of duty. This day has been observed in our country annually ever since.
On this day, and every day, it is fitting to honor those peace officers who gave their lives to protect ours, and to thank the law enforcement officers who serve for their dedication and service to our communities.
In accordance with Flag Code section 7(m), the United States flag is to be displayed at half-staff for the entire day in honor of Peace Officers Memorial Day, Tuesday, May 15, 2018. By a joint resolution approved October 1, 1962, as amended (76 Stat. 676), and by Public Law 103-322, as amended (36 U.S.C. 136-137), the President has been authorized and requested to designate May 15 of each year as “Peace Officers Memorial Day” and the week in which it falls as “Police Week.”
Paint by the Pond scheduled for (today) Saturday, May 12th at Warinanco Park in Elizabeth and Roselle
, has been canceled. A new date will soon be announced.
Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that Union County will observe May 2018 as National Community Action Month. Community Action Month is dedicated to recognizing the success of the national Community Action Network that fights poverty across the United States.
“In 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Economic Opportunity Act which included the creation of Community Action Agencies to fight poverty,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “Today we continue to honor and build on President Johnson’s legacy of recognizing that we must enlist the whole community and every public office, from the courthouse to the White House, to ensure that resources and opportunities are available to those in need.”
Currently there are approximately 1,100 Community Action Agencies covering 99% of America’s counties in suburban, rural, and urban communities. It is estimated that each year, these agencies help 20 million low-income people to achieve economic stability and improve their lives despite budget cuts and increased demands for services during challenging economic times.
“Even though our overall economy is strong, the face of poverty can be hidden in any community,” said Chairman Granados. “By recognizing Community Action Month, we build awareness that the struggle for employment, housing, nutrition and other basic needs goes on.”
Community Action Agencies promote self-sufficiency for those of limited income and help ensure that all residents are able to live in dignity. Community Action Agencies implement programs to improve the lives and living conditions of the impoverished, provide support and instruction for those in need of assistance, and advocate for reform of welfare systems.
During National Community Action Month, agencies throughout Union County and nationally host events that highlight how these programs and services help low-income residents achieve economic self-sufficiency.
“Despite experiencing budget cuts, shrinking resources, and increased demands for services, Union County Community Action Agencies have achieved measurable success in assisting Union County residents to achieve and maintain economic security,” said Chairman Granados.
The Union County Department of Human Services partners with other community based agencies to assist residents. In 2017, these agencies provided resources for 559 residents whose income did not exceed 125% of the Federal Poverty Guideline.
The services included assistance with housing, medical and nutritional needs, emergency shelter, employment including connections with entitlement and workforce development programs, and behavioral health counseling for substance abuse and/or mental health.
In recognition of Community Action Month, several local agencies are highlighting events in Elizabeth during May. Jewish Family Services of Central New Jersey hosted a Senior Safety Day at the Peterstown Community Center, The Gateway Family YMCA held a Housing Department open house, and the organization PROCEED, Inc. held a Community Open House for job readiness with a focus on women at the Kellogg Family Success Center.
On May 11, The Salvation Army of Elizabeth hosts a “Lunch on the Go” event from noon to 2:00 pm at their facility located at 1018 East Grand Street.
Upcoming events include two more Senior Safety Days hosted by Jewish Family Services. One takes place on May 15 at the O’Donnell Dempsey Senior Center at 632 Salem Avenue, and the other takes place on May 24 at the Elizabeth Public Library – Elmora Branch located at 740 West Grand Street. Both events are from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
For more information about May events and services for low income individuals and families, contact Samantha Carpio, Union County Department of Human Services, Division of Planning, 908-527-4874.
For more information about the Union County Department of Human Services including Paratransit and Meals on Wheels for seniors visit online at 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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Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that a free recycling event for personal electronic equipment will be held on Saturday, May 12 in New Providence, at the Nokia campus located at 600 Mountain Avenue, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
The free event is designed to help Union County residents clear their homes of rid of unwanted computers, printers, televisions and other electronic equipment in an environmentally sound manner.
“By sending our old or unwanted equipment to a reputable recycler, we can all help protect the Earth from harmful impacts related to metals and other substances in electronic systems,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “Our free recycling events give everyone a chance to practice the principle of ‘think globally, act locally.’”
When disposed improperly, televisions, computer monitors, and other electronic devices are sources of lead, mercury, cadmium and other harmful materials.
Any Union County resident may participate in the May 12 E-cycling event free of charge.
Televisions, computers, monitors, hard drives, modems, keyboards, printers, fax machines, DVD/VCR players, telephones, tablets and e-readers are among the permissible items.
Residents need to do is drive to the E-cycling site with their unwanted electronic equipment. Workers at the site will unload the equipment.
There is a limit of six electronic items per car. The collection will be held rain or shine, for Union County residents only and not for businesses. Proof of Union County residency is required and pre-registration is not required.
Refrigerators, washers and dryers, microwaves, and air conditioners are not accepted at the E-cycling event. Appliances and other household scrap metal, such as old bicycles, play sets and other equipment, may be brought to designated drop-off locations through Union County’s regular Scrap Metal Recycling Program.
Many municipalities also offer E-cycling and other recycling programs for residents. For more details, visit ucnj.org/recycle to find your local recycling coordinator.
The next free Union County E-cycling event will take place on Saturday, June 30 at the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools campus at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.
Union County’s recycling support the goals of Chairman Granados’s 2018 Plant a Seed initiative for engaging and empowering the public in conservation and environmental education. More information about the Plant a Seed initiative is available at ucnj.org.
For more details about Union County’s E-cycling events and all other recycling programs call the Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889 or visit the Bureau of Recycling and Planning online at ucnj.org/recycle.
For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities visit The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.
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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.