Category: Public Info

Women’s Empowerment, Yoga and Meditation Event “The Time is Now” offered at Union County College
Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that a free yoga, meditation class and emotional wellness event for women will be offered on Friday evening, June 1, at Union County College, Kellogg Building Room K-157, 40 West Jersey Street in Elizabeth.
The event, titled “The Time is Now,” is part of the free women’s empowerment series conducted through the Office on Women, Department of Human Services Division on Outreach and Advocacy.
“We want to ensure that every resident has the opportunity to engage with activities that contribute to overall health and well- being,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “Our recreational and educational programs have been reaching out to embrace important new pathways for achieving personal growth, and I would like to thank Whole Foods and Athleta, Westfield for their support in this endeavor.”
• A short talk and introduction with time to network.
• Yoga session by Nicole DeAugustine, certified yoga instructor.
• Guided meditation ceremony
“The Time is Now” Yoga and Meditation begins at 6:00 p.m. on June 1, 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/womans-yoga.
Union County College, Kellogg Building Room K-517 is located at 40 W Jersey Street, Elizabeth. Parking is available at the Bollwage Garage at the Corner of W. Jersey and Elizabethtown Plaza (there is a small fee for this parking).
The Office on Women was created in 2016 as an initiative of Freeholder Bruce H. Bergen. 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

Total of $1.5 million in grants awarded fourth annual time for various road and municipal improvements

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders today announced the fourth annual Union County Infrastructure Grant awards to 21 municipalities to help fund projects aimed at spurring economic development growth, making road, facility and other improvements throughout the County.

“This program provides our municipalities with financial aid to make various improvements that benefit our residents and businesses,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “Many of the projects are much-needed road or sidewalk improvements, while others are facility, business district, public safety, or record keeping items.”

The program was conceived by Freeholder Christopher Hudak in 2015, developed by the County’s Freeholder Fiscal Committee and administered by the Department of Economic Development.  This year’s Freeholder Fiscal Committee included Freeholder Bruce Bergen (who chaired the committee), Freeholder Vice Chair Bette Jane Kowalski, and Freeholders Angel Estrada and Alexander Mirabella.

“The Union County Infrastructure Grant provides assistance to our cities and towns for vital improvements that may lack a sufficient funding source,” said Freeholder Hudak. “Our intent is to stimulate economic growth and maintain the high quality of life in Union County.” 

The matching grant initiative makes available approximately $1.5 million to Union County’s 21 municipalities, assisting them to accomplish tasks undertaken in calendar year 2018.

Funding for the grant is provided through the proceeds from the sale of Runnells Specialized Hospital in 2014.

Some examples of work funded include: milling and resurfacing of streets in Berkeley Heights; a road repaving program in Cranford; Orchard Terrace drainage improvements in Hillside; Sumner Avenue improvements in Plainfield; Hanratty sports complex improvements in Elizabeth; resurfacing of Meeting House Lane in Mountainside; and Springfield Avenue improvements in Summit.

Union County Freeholder Christopher Hudak presents Linden High School Seniors Taylor Battle and Jade Rodrigues with resolutions congratulating them on the Easter egg design they created being featured at the 140^th annual Easter Egg Roll at the White House in Washington, DC on April 2.

The U.S. Department of Education invited students throughout the U.S. to design an egg that reflects their home state. The designs had to be emblematic, including elements such as the state flower or state bird. Students from more than a dozen schools in New Jersey submitted their Easter egg designs to the state Department of Education for consideration, and the Linden High School’s design was unanimously selected.

Their Easter egg design chosen to represent New Jersey included includes many iconic New Jersey elements including our State Motto, “Liberty and Prosperity”; the Goldfinch, New Jersey’s State Bird; New Jersey’s State Fruit, the blueberry and even the Jersey Shore.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders this evening awarded Union County Infrastructure Grants and “Level the Playing Field” grants to mayors and representatives from all 21 municipalities in the County.

The Union County Infrastructure Grants help fund projects aimed at spurring economic development growth, making road, facility and other improvements throughout the County. The matching grant initiative makes available approximately $1.5 million to Union County’s 21 municipalities, assisting them to accomplish tasks undertaken in calendar year 2018.

“Level The Playing Field” is a new grant program designed to help every municipality provide inclusive playgrounds to children with disabilities, and is part of Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados’s 2018 Union County HEART initiative for community outreach and advocacy. A total of $500,000 in Level the Playing Field awards was funded through the Union County Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund and golf fees administered through the Trust Fund.

FREEHOLDER Al Mirabella, Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados, and (far right) Freeholder Chris Hudak present Infrastructure and Level the Playing Field Checks totaling more than $100,000 for playground and various improvements to Kenilworth Mayor Anthony DeLuca, and Councilwoman Kay Ceceri.

Union County Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados, Vice Chairman Bette Jane Kowalski and Freeholder Angel G. Estrada joined Rahway Mayor Raymond A. Giacobbe in cutting the ribbon officially opening The Willows at Rahway. They were joined by Assemblyman James Kennedy, New Jersey Housing & Mortgage Finance Agency Chief of Staff Katie Brennan, Bruce Morgan of BCM Affordable Housing and Ingerman and Rahway Councilmen Rodney Farrar, David Brown and Joseph D. Gibilisco.

The Willows at Rahway is a new affordable rental community located in the Rahway Arts District in downtown Rahway. The project will serve as affordable housing with a preference for artists. Union County contributed approximately $800,000 in HOME Investment Partnership funds to the project. The community consists of one, two and three bedroom apartments featuring a full host of amenities and will cater to artists with designated artist spaces throughout the building.

(Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce the opening of a new senior café in Scotch Plains on Tuesday, May 1 at the Shady Rest Clubhouse at the Scotch Hills Country Club, 820 Jerusalem Road. The historic site is a meeting place for Scotch Plains seniors, and is currently owned by the Township of Scotch Plains. Built in the 1920’s, it was the first African-American owned golf course in the United States. 

Seniors are invited to come to the opening of the café on Tuesday, May 1 for lunch beginning at 11:30 a.m. Food will be served until at approximately 12:15 p.m. The lunches will then continue to be served once a week—weekly on Tuesdays, during the same time span.

“This is the 24th group meal site for senior adults, age 60 and older, in Union County and it is open to seniors from any of the 21 municipalities in the County,” stated Sergio Granados, Chairman of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. “We are pleased to offer new places for our seniors to meet and share lunch together. A nutritionally balanced lunch will be served with the help of local volunteers.”

Scotch Plains Mayor Al Smith said, “As Mayor, and on behalf of the entire Council, I am proud to continue our commitment to serve all seniors with well-rounded programming to address their needs. The Senior Café is a wonderful addition to the programing provided through the Township for seniors. I look forward to attending some of the lunches myself!”

Freeholder Al Mirabella, also Scotch Plains Municipal Manager, noted: “The Township of Scotch Plains is always looking for ways to expand our programming for our Senior Citizens. This weekly nutrition program, held in the newly refurbished Shady Rest, is a wonderful opportunity for our seniors to meet, socialize and share a meal.” 

The program will be run by Scotch Plains, under the supervision of County officials. The meals, which are paid through Federal grant funds, consist of a hot protein entre, vegetable or salad, potato, pasta or rice, bread, milk, and soup or juice.

The suggested donation is $1.75 per meal.  If one person in a couple is under age 60, the suggested donation is $4.00.

Countywide in 2017, the Union County Division on Aging delivered 166,835 group meals at 23 senior sites. Another 224,337 “Meals on Wheels” meals were delivered to the homes of the frail elderly, for a total of 391,172 meals.

A nutritionist in the Division on Aging designs meals that meet healthy nutrient requirements, also known as the Recommended Dietary Allowance. In addition, the nutritionist provides health and wellness presentations about food choices, physical activity, and seasonal produce.

For further information about nutrition programs offered by the Division on Aging, contact Kathleen Malkiewicz by phone at 908-527-4877 or by email at kmalkiewicz@ucnj.org.

For information about all services and programs for seniors and their families visit ucnj.org/aging.

This year’s event includes celebration of African-American history and culture

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites music fans of all ages to Rhythm and Blues by the Brook, a free outdoor music festival to be held at Cedar Brook Park in Plainfield, rain or shine, on Saturday, June 2 from 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m.

Headlining the event is the beloved funk, soul and R&B band Ohio Players, best known for their monster hits Fire, Love Rollercoaster and Funky Worm.

“Rhythm and Blues by the Brook kicks off a season full of free concerts, movies and other outdoor activities in Union County parks sponsored by the Freeholder Board,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “We encourage residents and visitors throughout Union County to come together and enjoy these community events, which are free and open to all.”

“Cedar Brook Park is a jewel in the crown for Union County and the City of Plainfield. The Rhythm and Blues by the Brook festival is an opportunity for our residents to get together with friends and family for an afternoon of music, community and healthy outdoor fun,” said Freeholder Linda Carter, a lifelong resident of Plainfield.

The Ohio Players have been described as “an American national treasure,” and “a band that truly broke the mold and changed the face of music forever:”

In their heyday the Ohio Players produced 17 Top 40 hits, with several platinum and gold selling albums, after which the “funkiest band on Earth” continued to influence some of the biggest names in music including Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, Ice-T, Beastie Boys, Mary J Blige and many more. They were inducted into the first class of the Official R&B Music Hall of Fame in 2013, and last year they released their first new music in almost 30 years.

This year’s Rhythm and Blues by the Brook will run from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., with DJ Bookeem serving as the MC throughout the day.

As always, Rhythm and Blues by the Brook will feature free children’s activities including inflatables, pony rides and a petting zoo.

A special feature this year will be the American Legacy “Know Your History” mobile truck exhibit of African-American history and culture. Sponsored by the City of Plainfield, the mobile truck is an 18-wheeler transformed into a history museum focusing on the milestones and newsmakers of the 19^th and 20^th centuries, including artifacts, memorabilia, photographs and artworks.

The first concert begins at 12:30 p.m. with Angela Johnson and continues with Funky Dawgz Brass Band at 1:45 p.m.

The Funky Dawgz Brass Band is an eight-piece horn band that frequently tours the country with performers like We the Kings, Dispatch, The Soul Rebels, Snarky Puppy and more.

At 3:15 the Dazz Band takes the stage. The Dazz Band is a Grammy Award-winning R&B funk band from Cleveland, Ohio most known for their hit song Let it Whip!

The festivities continue as The Ohio Players take the stage at 4:45 p.m.

The event also includes a marketplace featuring food vendors, a free car show presented by G-Wiz, and a health and wellness fair by Zeta Phi Beta Sorority.

For more information about Rhythm and Blues by the Brook and Cedar Brook Park, please call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-527-4900 or visit ucnj.org/parks.

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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 Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados and Freeholder Linda Carter present resolutions to TAPinto Roselle/Roselle Park and TAPinto Elizabeth Publisher Kathy Lloyd, Plainfield Councilwoman Rebecca Williams and Union County College Gay-Straight Alliance President Tiffany Santana in honor of Union County recognizing Thursday, April 26, 2018 as “Lesbian Visibility Day.” They were joined by Union County Office of LGBTQ Services Coordinator Danni Newbury and Union County Office on Women Coordinator Jennifer Erdos. The Freeholder Board supports a day of visibility for individuals such as these women who have carved their way through uncharted territories spreading awareness and providing support and advocacy to Union County’s lesbian community. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that a total of 18 new miles of County roads will be repaved this season in 14 municipalities. Work will begin later this summer.

“Keeping our roads in top condition ensures our residents and those traveling through our area a safe and enjoyable driving experience,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados.  “Union County is one of the region’s most powerful and effective transportation hubs, and we aim to keep it that way.”

Freeholder Vice Chair Bette Jane Kowalski, who heads the Public Works and Facilities Freeholder Committee, added:  “The County maintains more than 174 miles of roadway. Resurfacing makes our roadways not only safer to navigate for both drivers and pedestrians, but also more efficient.”

The 2018 Roads Resurfacing program will begin later this summer after the County completes the 2017 Roads Resurfacing program.

The 2018 Road Resurfacing program will cost approximately $7.5 million, with an approximate 50-50 funding split between the County and the State Transportation Trust Fund.

The work will be conducted at night when possible, in order to minimize the need for detours during peak travel periods.

The roads scheduled for resurfacing in 2018 are:

For up-to-date information on road closures and other travel advisories related to County road and bridge projects, visit the interactive Road Construction Update page at ucnj.org/traffic.

To report potholes on County roads, use the convenient online form at ucnj.org/pothole.

 Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that a free workshop on Thursday evening, May 17, will explain the application process for the 2018 Union County HEART (History, Education, Arts, Reaching Thousands) Grant Program and the Union County 2019 Local Arts Grant Program.

The workshop will be held at 7:00 p.m. at the Liberty Hall Museum, Wagon Shed Building, 1003 Morris Avenue in Union Township. The workshop is free of charge, but pre-registration is suggested.

“The response to our grant programs has been enthusiastic and inspiring in past years, and we are very excited about the upcoming season,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “Our grant recipients represent a full spectrum of creative endeavor, and these programs enable them to provide the benefits of enrichment through the arts to thousands of Union County residents each year.”

“This workshop helps individuals, non-profit groups and arts organizations craft grant proposals that include all of the necessary elements, including project descriptions and budgets,” said Freeholder Bruce H. Bergen, liaison to the Cultural and Heritage Programs Advisory Board.  

The workshop will explain the application process for both programs. The 2018 HEART grant is for projects related to local history, the arts or humanities undertaken by non-profit organizations, individual artists and scholars and is funded through the Freeholder Board. The Union County 2019 Local Arts Grant Program is for arts organizations or arts projects produced by non-arts organizations.

Funds for the Local Arts Program are made available through the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner of the National Endowment for the Arts.

Projects eligible for consideration for 2018 HEART grants must take place between September 1, 2018 and March 31, 2019. Organizations eligible for consideration for 2019 Local Arts Program grants must conduct arts activities taking place between January 1 and December 31, 2019.

The application deadline for both grant programs is June 22, 2018.

To pre-register or obtain additional information about the workshop, contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202. Telephone: 908-558-2550. NJ Relay users dial 711, or E-mail: culturalinfo@ucnj.org.

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.