Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ – Revolutionary War historian and author Robert Mayers will be the guest speaker at Union County’s Four Centuries In A Weekend at the Deserted Village on Sunday, October 22.

Mayers, who plans to discuss Gen. George Washington’s troop movements in the Watchung Mountains, among other topics, will speak at 1 p.m. at Masker’s Barn.  His talk will be followed by a question and answer session and book signing.

“We are fortunate to have an author of Mayers’ caliber come to talk with Union County residents about the history in their backyard,” said Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski.

“When the County created the Battle of the Short Hills Historic Trail several years ago,” Kowalski said, “we recognized the route Washington’s retreating forces took up what is now New Providence Road–just to the west of where everyone will be listening to Mayers’ presentation.”

Mayers’ book, Searching for Yankee Doodle, examines the lives of the common foot soldiers who fought for American independence.

“For most of America’s history, little was known about the identity of these men, why they fought and how the war affected their lives,” Mayers said. “A few were known for their exploits in battle, but most Yankee Doodles appear only on lists of thousands of shadowy names published by each state.”

“Yet the men of the Continental Army were the people most responsible for achieving America’s independence,” he said.

During the course of his years of research into the lives of the “grunts,” Mayers said the research was daunting, but worth it.

“When you read their words and learn more about their daily lives, these soldiers lose their anonymity,” he said.

The Deserted Village is located on Cataract Hollow Road, off Glenside Avenue in Berkeley Heights.  Those planning to attend Mayers’ talk should arrive early, either to walk to the barn or wait for a hay wagon and ride the half-mile to the facility.

Four Centuries In A Weekend, when historic sites across the County are open for the weekend, is coordinated by Union County’s Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs. For more information, go to ucnj.org/4C. 

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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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A free informational presentation for parents and community members

Parents and community members are invited to attend a free educational presentation, “What Parents Need to Know about Transgender Individuals” being held Wednesday, Nov. 1 at 6:30 p/m. at Baxel Hall on the Union County Vo-Tech Campus, 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.

The purpose of the presentation is to help parents and other adults better understand gender identity and transgender issues, and to provide tips on how to speak with children and adolescents about these sensitive topics, as well as addressing any questions or concerns any attendee may have.

 The presenter, Dr. Paula C. Rodriguez Rust of Spectrum Diversity, LLC, is a renowned professional diversity educator and bullying prevention consultant serving schools, workplaces, and community and professional groups statewide. 

“Parents want to know what to do if a child’s classmate is transgender, what to do if his/her own child is transgender,” Dr. Rust said. “My goal is to help parents better understand what it means to be a transgender person, and how we know if a child is transgender.”

“The program is designed to provide an informational experience to help attendees learn more about the terms that we now hear, including ‘gender identity,’ ‘gender expression,’ and ‘sexual orientation,’ to name a few,” said Nora Mislan, Co-Chair of the Union County Human Relations Commission, one of the program sponsors. “There is a whole new youth culture regarding gender.”

“As individuals explore gender identity, it is important to understand as much about the transgender transition as possible,” said Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders Chairman Bruce H. Bergen.  “The transition experience is different for each person. Some may transition socially, legally, and medically.  Some may transition only socially.  And some may not do any of these.  This workshop will provide important information to help parents and youth navigate gender identity together.”

The program, which is free and open to the public, is being co-sponsored by the Office of the Union County Superintendent of Schools.  For more information, please call 908.889.9028.

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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 – History fans of all ages are invited to enjoy Union County’s annual civic heritage event, “Four Centuries in a Weekend: A Journey through Union County’s History” on Saturday, October 21 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, October 22 from noon to 5:00 p.m.

Sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders with the participation of staff and volunteers at 35 historic sites, the free two-day event provides Union County residents and visitors with a chance to walk in the footsteps of the men, women and children who shaped more than 370 years of Union County history.

“During Four Centuries in a Weekend, some of the most fascinating historic sites in Union County open their doors to provide visitors with a unique experience enriched by live demonstrations, re-enactments, and more,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “We are especially excited about a special presentation scheduled for the Shady Rest Clubhouse in Scotch Plains, in partnership with the Preserve Shady Rest Committee.”

Shady Rest was the first African-American owned golf club in the United States. In celebration of Four Centuries in a Weekend, the Clubhouse will host a series of presentations on October 21 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. recognizing the 100^th anniversary of the US entry into World War I. The day’s events will feature World War I re-enactors highlighting the Ebony Doughboys 93rd Infantry Division, which served with honor and distinction. The presentation is sponsored by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage affairs.

Nineteen of the 21 municipalities in Union County are represented in the Four Centuries event.

“As always, we encourage families to engage children in the shared history of our community,” said Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski. “Our new local history trading cards are now available at the sites, and students can earn a Time Traveler’s Certificate and a Four Centuries Patch by requesting a Time Traveler Passport at any of the sites.”

All Four Centuries visitors can pick up a free Union County: Across the Centuries history booklet at any of the sites, and representatives at many of the sites of the sites can mark the Time Traveler Passport with new “Passport to Your National Parks” cancellation stamps. Adult visitors are welcome to use the Time Traveler Passport, too.

“National Parks fans of all ages enjoy traveling to sites around the country and commemorating their visits with cancellation stamps for each park,” said Kowalski. “It’s a real pleasure to offer this service to visitors at our historic sites right here in Union County.”

The new cancellation stamps are available at sites included in the National Park Service’s Crossroads of the American Revolution national heritage area, which includes parts of Union County.

Special events for this year’s Four Centuries in a Weekend include (cancellation stamps are available at sites marked CS:

Berkeley Heights:

Deserted Village of Feltville (CS) — Children’s games, walking tours, fresh pressed apple cider.

Little-Lord Farmstead (CS) — House tours.

Clark

Dr. William Robinson Plantation-Museum (CS) — Demonstrations of early farm life activities including open hearth cooking, butter churning, candle making, smokehouse preserving, quilting and rug making.

Cranford

Crane-Phillips House Museum: House tours celebrating the 90th anniversary of the Cranford Historical Society.

Elizabeth

Boxwood Hall State Historic Site (CS) — Explore the 250-year history of this house, mini-exhibit features objects depicting George Washington, Look Up & You’ll See Elizabeth” guided walk on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. — discover centuries-old architecture within a single block!

First Presbyterian Church of Elizabeth & Snyder Academy (CS) — Special exhibits in the Snyder Academy Museum Room; Saturday only activities include tours of the campus with church, burial grounds and Snyder Academy (attended by Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton), Colonial-era battle reenactment on the front lawn, tours of Snyder art studio including a recent portrait of Alexander Hamilton as a student.

Nathaniel Bonnell Homestead and Belcher-Ogden Mansion (CS) — House and site tours.

Fanwood

Historic Fanwood Train Station Museum: Documentary film about the Jersey Central Railroad.

Hillside

Evergreen Cemetery — Self-guided tours (pick up the tour booklet at Woodruff House).

Woodruff House / Eaton Store Museum (CS): Phil Rizzuto All Sports Museum, vintage auto exhibit from the early 1900s, and mini apple festival with sale of fresh apples and pastries.

Kenilworth:

Oswald J. Nitschke House – House tours including wheelchair access, teaching garden featuring heirloom flowers, vegetables, herbs and garden-to table program focused on Italian culture, living history program set in 1907, “New Orange Residents Create Kenilworth” exhibit and light refreshments.

Mountainside

Deacon Andrew Hetfield House (CS) — Diorama of the Battle of Monmouth, presented by Mountainside resident John Sileo, and recently acquired collection of Mountainside pottery.

New Providence

Salt Box Museum – Saturday demonstrations of spinning wheel and basket coiling, Sunday demonstrations of basket coiling.

Plainfield

Drake House Museum (CS) — “Plainfield during World War I & the Influenza Pandemic” exhibit and Sunday presentation at 2:00 p.m., “How Civil War Veterans Influenced 20th Century America,” by Leanne Manna, Kean University honors student, including discussion of the Plainfield Post (Winfield Scott Post #73) and notable veterans.

Plainfield Meetinghouse – Site tours.

Rahway

Merchants and Drovers Tavern (CS) – Site tours, second-floor exhibit room, Gravesite of Abraham Clark.

Rahway School for Colored Children/African-American History & Learning Center — A representative will be on hand from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, to discuss the history of this site and the restoration underway (building not open).

Union County Performing Arts Center – This beautifully restored 1920’s vaudeville theatre is open Saturday and Sunday during all Four Centuries hours, with tours given on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 2:00 p.m.

Roselle

Abraham Clark Memorial House (CS) – tour a replica of Abraham Clark’s home.

Roselle Park

Roselle Park Museum —  “100 Years Ago in Roselle Park” showcases 99 years of the annual Thanksgiving Day football game against Roselle (the 100th game will be played this fall).

Scotch Plains

Battle of the Short Hills (CS) — Visit the tent at the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools campus in Scotch Plains and learn about this pivotal Revolutionary War battle of 1777, and join a guided nature hike of the swampy trail (dress for possible wet conditions — last departure at 2:30 p.m. To pre-schedule a hike for a group, call 732-221-2683).

Frazee House (CS) — Exhibit tent will present a movie and a display about this site (building is not open), tour the community garden behind the house.

Historic Cemetery of Scotch Plains Baptist Church – on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. join a flashlight tour of the historic cemetery, led by Rev. Chaz Hutchison (departs from parking area), highlighting the grave of Caesar, a freed slave who drove a supply wagon for American troops during the Battle of the Short Hills.

Osborn Cannonball House (CS) — Grand Reopening! Tour this newly renovated historic building, with rooms painted in period colors. The Victorian Room picture rail displays antique paintings, hair wreaths and samplers. On Saturday, local tinsmith George Pierson demonstrates his craft.

The Shady Rest & Country Club — Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., World War I re-enactors, The Ebony Doughboys, present stories about the 369th Infantry and Eugene Ballard, the first African-American military pilot. See WWI artifacts and educational material relating to African-American soldiers (Sunday open house, 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. only).

Springfield

Cannon Ball House (CS) — Artifacts and artwork pertaining to WWI, including war medals, autograph books and the anti-war political cartoons of Louis Raemaekers. Open Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. with World War I re-enactors. Also open Sunday noon – 4:00 p.m. 

Summit

Carter House (CS) — “Summit Show & Tell” exhibit of more than 100 items from the archives of Summit Historical Society, showing the city’s history from the 1830s, when the first train arrived, up to the present.

Reeves-Reed Arboretum — Open Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (closed Sunday, October 22) — Library/lounge features historic photos, maps, drawings, artifacts, letters and original materials from noted architects Calvert Vaux, Ellen Biddle Shipman, and Carl Pilat. Each visitor will receive a copy of “The Clearing,” a book detailing the history of this arboretum. Saturday, 9 am–1 pm: Drop-in children’s workshop focuses on history (in English and Spanish).

Summit Playhouse – View a display documents past performances by one of the nation’s oldest continuously operating community theatres.

Twin Maples — Ballroom dancing demonstrations on Sunday.

Union

Caldwell Parsonage (CS) — Student-interpreters from the National Junior Honor Society of Kawameeh Middle School, historic games for children of all ages, church” doll-making lesson — make a souvenir doll. On Saturday from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m., Meridoc Burkhardt appears as Rev. James Caldwell.

Connecticut Farms Church (CS) — Bake sale.

Liberty Hall Museum (CS) — “Brothers in Arms – Memories of the Great War” exhibit commemorating the centennial of the USA entering World War I, highlighting the service of Capt. John Kean and his brother Congressman Robert W. Kean. The letters and postcards they sent home tell of their experiences in basic training, fighting on the front lines, and returning home.

Westfield

Miller-Cory House Museum (CS) — open house noon to 4:00 p.m. only both days, with blacksmithing demonstration by David Bala.

Reeve History & Cultural Resource Center — open house and tours noon to 5:00 only both days.

Complete details including hours, special events, addresses and contact information are included in the fully illustrated Four Centuries in a Weekend 2017 program. The program is available free of charge at each site as an insert with Union County: Across the Centuries.

To request a free copy of the Across the Centuries and the 2017 program by mail, call the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 908-558-2550 (NJ Relay Users dial 711) weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. or e-mail culturalinfo@ucnj.org.

Both documents are also available as free downloads on the Four Centuries web page, at ucnj.org/parks-recreation/cultural-heritage-affairs, using the Across the Centuries and “Special Events” links at the top of the page. The Four Centuries web page also includes links to mass transportation alternatives, activity books, lesson plans and passport sheets, along with a map and detailed description for each site.

The Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs is a division of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation, which offers enriching public programs and activities all year. For more information visit ucnj.org/parks or call 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.

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Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen and Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski welcomed Boxed co-founder and CEO Chieh Huang to a Union County Means Business Lunch & Learn event in Mountainside. Mr. Huang, one of the country’s top entrepreneurs, was the guest speaker offering insights about Boxed, an app-driven, online national bulk retail company. Business owners and managers from Union County attended the session, sponsored through the Freeholder Board’s Union County Means Business initiative in support of local businesses. For more information about Union County Means Business visit ucnj.org/ucmb or contact Deana Mesaros at 908-659-7412 or dmesaros@ucnj.org. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders proudly recognizes Wednesday, October 11 as National Coming Out Day in support of safe spaces for the LGBTQ community and allies.

The County of Union celebrates the strength of our diversity and supports equality for all people. County employees showed their support for LGBTQ allies and individuals.

Imaginative Acrobatic Fun for the Whole Family

Union County – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is proud to bring a sensory-friendly performance featuring the visually stunning acrobatics of GALUMPHA to the stage at the Union County Performing Arts Center on Sunday, October 29 at 2:00 p.m.

All tickets are $8 per person and can be purchased through the Union County Performing Arts Center at ucpac.org or by calling the Box Office at 732-499-8226.

“Union County’s series of sensory-friendly music, theater, and dance performances are specially adapted to help reduce disturbances and increase access for children and adults of all abilities,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “The Freeholder Board is proud to partner with DCA Productions to bring the imaginative and exciting artistry of Galumpha as a sensory-friendly performance to the community.”

Galumpha combines stunning acrobatics, striking visual effects, physical comedy, and inventive choreography to bring to life a world of imagination and beauty; a sensory feast of images, consistently bringing audiences to their feet.

For each of the performances in Union County’s Sensory Friendly Theatre series the theatre environment at the Union County Performing Arts Center is adjusted to provide a sensory-friendly, comfortable and judgment-free space that is welcoming for all families.

Save the dates – mark your calendar for additional upcoming Sensory-Friendly Theatre series performances sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. On Sunday, November 19 bring the entire family to experience the beloved classic Nutcracker performed by American Repertory Ballet. Then, on Sunday, January 21 Champions of Magic take the stage for a spectacular evening of mystery and magic.

Autism Friendly Spaces implements the supportive atmosphere at each of the sensory-friendly performances. For more information on what to expect at a Sensory Friendly Theatre performance visit ucpac.org/sensory-friendly-theatre.

For more information or to purchase tickets call the Union County Performing Arts Center, 732-499-8226 or visit ucpac.org. The UCPAC Box Office, located at 1601 Irving Street, Rahway, NJ, is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 AM until 5:00 PM and is also open late on Thursdays until 8:00 PM.

For information on additional Union County recreational programs for people with disabilities age five and up, call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-527-4781 or visit 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.

Photo Caption: Union County’s Sensory Friendly Theatre series brings a sensory friendly performance featuring the visually stunning acrobatics of GALUMPHA to the stage at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway on Sunday, October 29 at 2:00 p.m.

Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen, Vice Chairman Sergio Granados and Freeholders Vernell Wright, Bette Jane Kowalski, Alexander Mirabella and Angel G. Estrada joined Union County College President Dr. Margaret McMenamin, Union County College Board of Trustees Chairman Victor Richel and members of the Union County College community in cutting the ribbon officially opening the Veterans Center at the Union County College campus in Cranford. The service center for military veteran students is part of Chairman Bergen’s UC HERO initiative. (Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

The Union County Freeholder Board today held a groundbreaking for the new $8.9 million Ash Brook Golf Course Clubhouse that is anticipated to open in September, 2018.

Once constructed, the new 21,000 square foot building will house a full-service restaurant (with terrace) with capacity for 120 people, a full retail pro shop, administrative offices and public restrooms, underground cart barn for a new electric fleet of 90 carts, and a full service turn stand.

“These improvements continue to solidify Union County’s reputation as a state leader in this sport and the home of public golf,” said Freeholder Bruce Bergen. “Our courses are known for their playability, customer service and top-notch amenities, comparable to private courses.”

Freeholder Alexander Mirabella added: “Over the past seven years, the County completely transformed what was once a decaying, money-losing golf operation into state-of-the-art facilities that have become a profit center. Our Galloping Hill Golf Course (in Kenilworth) has become one of the state’s leading public golf courses, and now Ash Brook will take its place beside it.”

In recent years, the County completed a golf course renovation project at Ash Brook with famed architect Rees Jones.  The scope of work included updating course drainage, tree work and bunkers, which were renovated and rebuilt to industry standards.  The end result is a golf course that is amenable for golfers of all skill levels.

Ash Brook Golf Course features 7,040 yards of golf from the longest  tees for a par of 72. The course was designed by Alfred Tull and opened in 1953. Ash Brook is a parkland style golf course with tree lined fairways and large greens. Ash Brook has four sets of tees to accommodate golfers of all skill levels.

In addition to the 18-hole facility, Ash Brook offers a Pitch & Putt course for players of all ages that has proven to be a family favorite in the community. The Pitch & Putt course features 673 yards of golf for a par of 27.

In January 2010, KemperSports began managing Ash Brook Golf Course as part of the Union County Golf Properties. KemperSports is recognized as a leader in the golf course management industry and brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the facility.

For more information on Ash Brook Golf Course, please go to www.ashbrookgolfcourse.com/

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders celebrated the ninth annual Union County—UNICO District X Columbus Day Flag raising event at the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth.

The program, which was emceed by Freeholder Alexander Mirabella, featured speakers from UNICO and County government along with Catiana Celentano, founder and owner of the Let’s Play in Italian Language and Cultural Center in Scotch Plains, and Nick Netta, of Netta Architects in Mountainside.

Freeholder Chairman Bruce Bergen, Freeholders Alexander Mirabella, Bette Jane Kowalski, Vernell Wright, Angel Estrada and County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi were in attendance.

Union County, NJ – Union County Surrogate James S. LaCorte has provided Union County residents with the following alert on bank policy impacting the orderly processing of estates:

As some of you may know the Surrogate’s Office is responsible for assisting residents in the orderly process of estates after the death of a Union County Resident.   As Surrogate of Union County, one of my obligations is to alert residents of potential problems with the processing of residents estates.  

Recent events concerning Bank of America, Chase and Wells Fargo Banks compel me to warn residents that their loved ones may confront severe problems when they attempt to manage their deceased loved ones assets at the time of their death.  Chase Bank has displayed in the recent past a refusal to follow New Jersey Law and instead follow their own bank instituted policy which adds expense and delay to the orderly processing of the decedents estates.  Bank of America and Wells Fargo have acted in a similar manner on many occasions.

I am therefore advising Union County Residents that commencing or continuing a banker-customer relationship with Bank of America, Chase and Wells Fargo Banks may cause several unforeseen impediments with the timely processing of your estate after your death or the death of a loved one. 

Please remember this alert when deciding to commence or continue a financial relationship with Bank of America, Chase Bank or Wells Fargo Bank. 

The Surrogate’s Office is established under Constitution of the State of New Jersey. The Surrogate is responsible for assisting residents in the orderly process of estates after the death of a Union County resident, and is obligated is to alert residents of potential problems with the processing of estates.  

For information on the programs and services of the Surrogate’s Office, visit online at ucnj.org/surrogate or call 908-527-4280.

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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