Category: Public Info

ELIZABETH, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to present an exhibit of paper sculptures by Elizabeth artist Barbara Wallace in the gallery space at the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, located in the historic St. John’s Parsonage at 633 Pearl Street in Elizabeth.

A selection of Ms. Wallace’s work entitled “Barbara Wallace: Sculptural Relief” is on display at the Pearl Street Gallery through October 20. The public is invited to enjoy the exhibit during gallery hours, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

“The talent and diversity of our county artists assure an inspiring and interesting variety of exhibitions at the Pearl Street Gallery,” said Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, liaison to the Union County Cultural and Heritage Advisory Board. “We are pleased to display an exhibit of Ms. Wallace’s impressive figurative sculptures.”

Barbara Wallace began her artistic training at the Art Students’ League of New York. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting from Pratt Institute and her Master of Fine Arts in Sculpture from the University of Pennsylvania.

Wallace is an Adjunct Professor at Kean University and Passaic County Community College. She currently works with various mixed media materials including recycled paper, wire, and acrylic paint.

Recent exhibitions include the Westfield Art Association Jubilee Exhibit at the Masker’s Barn in the Deserted Village of the Watchung Reservation, Fire in Her Eyes at the Newark School of the Arts, and Wreath Interpretations at the Arsenal Gallery in Manhattan.

She is a previous Union County Honoree in the Arts for Women’s History Month, awarded by the New Jersey Senate and General Assembly in Trenton. For more details visit Ms. Wallace online at blw105.wix.com/barbarawallace.

“My training is in traditional sculptural materials of clay, metal, stone, and wood. I have adapted techniques ordinarily reserved for clay and sheet metal for recycled paper and cardboard,” Ms. Wallace said. “The process for creating the works usually begins with a recycled metal clothes hanger. Layers of newspaper, magazine pages and cardboard are applied to this minimal armature with an adhesive of boiled wheat paste glue. Other sculptures combine the paper core technique with a layer of wax. Creating long-lasting sculpture from unlikely and somewhat ephemeral materials of yesterday’s news and this afternoon’s lunch is the crux of my artwork.”

Union County artists interested in exhibiting in the gallery space are welcome to apply (works must be hung on a wall). For more information about the Pearl Street Gallery or other programs, contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at culturalinfo@ucnj.org or call (908)-558-2550. NJ Relay users dial 711.

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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 and the Department of Parks and Recreation invites everyone to attend the 36^th Annual Harvest Festival on Sunday, September 24 at Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m., rain or shine. 

Harvest Festival is a celebration of Early American life featuring ongoing music and entertainment, storytelling, Native American cooking display, petting zoo, pony rides, Colonial and Native American crafts, children’s games and crafts, food and a pumpkin patch.  The always popular Scarecrow Building will again take place.

“This event gives those in attendance an opportunity to see early American culture and history come to life while walking through the festival grounds in the picturesque Watchung Reservation,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “Visitors of all ages will enjoy this fascinating, fun-filled event.”

Admission to the Harvest Festival is $4.00 per person, with children ages 6 and younger admitted free of charge. There may be a fee charged for some of the activities.

Trailside Nature & Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside. For more information on Trailside Nature and Science Center please visit www.ucnj.org/trailside.

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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, NU — Tickets for the Hayrides and Campfires event presented by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Union County Department of Parks & Recreation will be available for purchase beginning Tuesday, September 5th at 8:30 a.m.

Beginning this year, tickets will be sold online in addition to three locations throughout the county. All tickets must be purchased in advance, there will be no tickets sold on site.

All ticket sales will be final, with no refunds or exchanges. The event includes the hayride, entertainment, and hot chocolate and marshmallows to toast over a campfire.

The first Hayride and Campfire will be on Friday, September 29 at Trailside Nature & Science Center in Mountainside from 6:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. On Sunday afternoon, October 1, Hayrides will be offered from 3:30 pm until 6:30 pm. Hayrides and Campfires will also be offered on Friday October 13 and Friday, October 20 at Trailside from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm.

On Friday, October 6, Hayrides and Campfires will take place at Warinanco Park in Roselle from 6:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.

“The hayrides and campfire events are always among the most popular events in our parks, so those interested in participating should get their tickets early, either online or in person, and plan for a fun filled evening to begin the fall,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen.

Tickets are priced at $6.00 for Union County Residents, $12.00 for Non-Residents. Group sales are limited to 15 tickets. To purchase tickets online visit ucnj/ticket.

Tickets will be on sale at the following locations and times beginning September 5.

• Westfield Office, Colleen Fraser Building, 300 North Avenue East in Westfield, Monday through Wednesday from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm; Thursday from 8:30 am to 7:00 pm; Friday from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm.
• Elizabeth Office, Union County Administration Building, 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 4:00 pm.
• Trailside Nature & Science Center, 452 New Providence Road, Mountainside from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm, Sunday through Saturday.

For further information call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-527-4900; or Trailside Nature and Science Center at 908-789-3670; or visit the Union County website 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 Freeholder Vice Chairman Sergio Granados and Freeholder Vernell Wright joined Brigadier General Ed Chrystal and Lieutenant Colonel Bill Morris at the UC HERO networking mixer at the Clubhouse at Union County’s Galloping Hill Golf Course in Kenilworth.

UC HERO launched in 2016 as an initiative of Chairman Bruce H. Bergen, with the mission of enhancing opportunities for education, employment and well-being for eligible veterans and active duty service members and their families in Union County.

For more information about all UC HERO programs and activities, and the Union County Office of Veterans’ Affairs visit online at ucnj.org/uc-hero.

Families, groups and individuals of all ages are invited to lace up your sneakers for field day games at Union County’s Family PRIDE CommUNITY Picnic, celebrating marriage equality in the State of New Jersey on Saturday, September 16 at Rahway River Park in Rahway from Noon until 5:00 p.m. with the family-friendly field day competition starting at 3:30 p.m.

“Family field day games are a great way to share tons of laughs with the whole family and make new friends, too,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “All families are invited to sign up for field day games now and join LGBTQ equality advocates and allies for a day of fun to celebrate the strength of our diversity as a community.”

During Union County’s Family PRIDE CommUNITY Picnic, right in the middle of all the music, arts and crafts, and bounce house fun, field day favorites will take over the outfield at Rahway River Park, with family teams of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple.

Register online to participate as a family, as a group, or as an individual today at ucnj.org/pride.

Registration is requested to participate in field day games so that teams may be formed. All other activities at the Family PRIDE CommUNITY Picnic are open on a walk-in basis.

Teams will be announced on the day of the event. Participants will be grouped by color (red team, orange team, yellow team, green team, blue team, purple team). Each team will participate in each activity, such as the three-legged race and the egg relay. Ranked first through sixth, the team with the lowest score at the end of the day will bring home the rainbow.

A celebration of all families, the free Family PRIDE CommUNITY Picnic will include music, arts and crafts (featuring a “LOVE Makes a Family” poster making station), inflatable bounce houses for all ages, face painting, music, and much more.

A Family Equality Rally will kick off at 1:00 P.M. with special guest speakers and performances. Parents and children are encouraged to show family Pride with a sign or banner. Bring a rally sign or join us at the Rally Poster Making Station between noon and 1:00 p.m. to create one.

Esteemed children’s music band, Michael and the Rockness Monsters will join in the day’s celebration with a live family concert starting at 2:30 P.M.

Families are invited to pack a picnic lunch and head out to the park with blankets and lawn chairs for an afternoon of fun. Food trucks will also be on site for those who wish to purchase lunch.

LGBTQ family and marriage equality advocacy and ally organizations will also set up tables, alongside the Freeholder Board information van, with general information and resource material.

“Pride events matter because inequality is not always obvious. Union County’s pride event demonstrates the support for diversity and full equality,” said Chairman Bergen. “Marriage equality rights are in part the result of years of Pride events. The Family PRIDE CommUNITY Picnic brings advocates, allies, and families of the LGBTQ community together to celebrate individuality and raise awareness for the need to meet the equality challenges of the LGBTQ community.”

In the event of inclement weather the Family PRIDE CommUNITY Picnic will be held at the Warinanco Sports Center, Warinanco Park in Elizabeth/Roselle.

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

ELIZABETH, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders announces that 61 artists, historians and local non-profit organizations will receive funding through the 2017 Union County HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant Program.

Recognizing the importance of culture and the arts to our economy and quality of life, the Union County Freeholders established the HEART Grant Program in 1998. This innovative program supports projects related to history, the arts and humanities, and it demonstrates a commitment to the artists and community organizations of Union County. Total funding for this year’s grants is $100,000.

“The recipients of HEART Grants are a wonderful mix of creative individuals including composers and writers, historians, visual artists, musicians and dancers, as well as arts, history and other cultural organizations and civic groups,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “The response to the program has been exciting ever since its inception.”

Artists, educators, civic and historical non-profit organizations that want information about next year’s HEART Grant Program can 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 send E-mail: culturalinfo@ucnj.org

Union County HEART Grants Awarded 2017 (Total $100,000)

• Brian Beste, Fanwood, $1,000,  presenting art and photography workshops
• Candace Waller, Fanwood, $1,000,  providing free dance classes
• Lesl Harker, New Providence, $1,000,  presenting Irish music workshop and concert
• Lowell Schantz, Westfield, $1,000,  presenting two free jazz concerts in Union County libraries
• Renaee Smith, Roselle, $700,  providing Writers Café workshops
• Valerie Graham, Roselle, $1,000,  presenting free crafts workshops for children and seniors
• Borough of Fanwood, Fanwood,  $2,200,  presenting a Fanwood Cultural Arts Performance Series
• Borough of Roselle Park, Casano Community Center, $1,000,  presenting a free concert
• Carolyn Dorfman Dance Company, Union,  $2,000,  presenting a dance festival
• City of Plainfield, $2,500,  provide historic cemetery restoration
• Community Access Unlimited, Elizabeth, $1,000,  providing a choral concert of students
• Continuo Arts Foundation, Summit, $1,500,  presenting a holiday concert
• Cranford Housing Board, Cranford, $1,000,  presenting the “Three Po’ Tenors” in concert for senior residents
• Dreamcatchers Repertory Theatre, Summit,  $1,700,  presenting the NJ premiere of “What Stays”
• duCret School of Art, Plainfield, $2,300,  presenting an art lecture series
• Elizabeth Avenue Partnership, Elizabeth, $1,500,  presenting Hispanic Heritage Month concerts
• Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeless, $1,000,  providing art education for homeless children
• Groundwork Elizabeth, Inc., Elizabeth, $2,000,  presenting the 15^th Annual Tour de Elizabeth bicycle tour
• Hanson Park Conservancy, Cranford, $600,  presenting “Olmstead by Design” program
• Hillcrest Academy North, Scotch Plains, $2,000,  providing interactive music programs to students
• Historical Society of Elizabeth NJ, $1,000,  presenting a history panel discussion
• Historical Society of Plainfield, Plainfield, $2,500,  providing a Nathaniel Drake Family Genealogy Project,
• HomeTowne Television, Summit, $1,000,  presenting a Union County history TV series
• Institute of Music for Children, Elizabeth, $2,500,  providing arts and culture classes to young children
• Jefferson Parks Ministries, Elizabeth, $1,700,  presenting an art education program for children
• Jewish Community Center of Central NJ, Scotch Plains, $2,200,  presenting a cultural appreciation series for Seniors
• Josephine’s Place, Elizabeth, $2,500,  presenting arts programs for immigrant women
• Kenilworth Historical Society, Kenilworth, $1,000,  presenting a Living History exhibition
• Language & Enrichment Center INC, Scotch Plains, $1,000,  presenting performances by preschool children of Italian winter songs
• Life Drawing Studio Group, Fanwood, $2,000,  providing visual arts workshops
• Miller-Corey House Museum, Westfield, $1,000,  presenting a benefit concert
• Music for All Seasons, Scotch Plains, $2,500,  presenting music programs for U.C. Juvenile Detention Center
• Musical Club of Westfield, Westfield, $900,  presenting a benefit concert
• National Council of Jewish Women, U.C. Section, Elizabeth, $2,400,  providing two intergenerational programs: a big band swing dance and a jazz band
• New Jersey Festival Orchestra, Westfield, $1,700,  presenting a live concert “Home for the Holidays”
• New Jersey Intergenerational Orchestra, Berkeley Heights, $2,300,  presenting a community concert
• New Jersey Workshop for the Arts, Westfield, $1,000,  provide chamber ensemble concerts
• Occupational Center of Union County, Inc., Roselle, $2,500,  presenting art education classes for people with disabilities
• Old First Historic Trust, Elizabeth, $1,000,  providing presentations and exhibit on historic cemeteries
• Overlook Hospital Foundation, Summit, $2,400,  presenting “Healing Caregivers” healing arts program
• Peruvians for Progress, Elizabeth, $1,800,  presenting a free traditional Peruvian Christmas celebration
• Plainfield Symphony Society, Plainfield, $1,600,  presenting a free symphony concert
• Premiere Stages at Kean University, Union, $2,200,  presenting the play “Black Tom Island”
• Reeves-Reed Arboretum, Summit, $2,000,  presenting concert with jazz vocalist Cyrille Aimee
• Roselle 24/7, Roselle, $1,000,  providing community-based arts festival
• Roselle Board of Education, Roselle, $1,500,  presenting a high school performing arts program
• Roselle Park Historical Society, $1,000,  presenting local history speaker series
• SAGE Eldercare, Inc., Summit, $2,200,  presenting free musical performances to older adults
• Saint Theresa School, Kenilworth, $1,800,  providing two student theatrical productions
• Second Westfield Senior Citizens Housing, Westfield, $1,000,  providing an interactive education program for Seniors
• Stony Hill Players, Summit, $2,000,  presenting children’s theatrical productions
• Temple Beth O’r/Beth Torah, Clark, $1,200,  presenting a free Klezmer concert
• The ARC of Union County, Springfield, $2,300,  presenting an interactive concert series
• The Theater Project, Union, $2,000,  presenting theatrical performances in Union
• Union Township Community Action Organization, Inc., Union, $2,500,  presenting Senior Choral performances in nursing homes
• Union Township Historical Society, Union, $1,000,  presenting history programs for students 
• United Youth of NJ, Elizabeth, $2,500,  presenting an historical play about the Emmett Till Story
• Visual Arts Center of NJ, Summit $2,300,  presenting a visual arts program for older adults,
• Westfield Neighborhood Council, Westfield, $2,000,  presenting dance workshops
• Wharton Institute for the Performing Arts, Berkeley Heights, $1,000,  presenting free musical performances
• YM-YWHA of Union County, Union, $2,000,  presenting the “Y Sunday Brunch Art Series”

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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 – If you are looking for an enjoyable volunteer opportunity that puts you in touch with nature and helps “grow” environmental awareness in Union County, join the Master Tree Stewards of Union County.

Master Tree Stewards train each fall by participating in guided walks at nature preserves in the Union County area. Each spring they fan out across Union County to share their knowledge of trees with fourth grade students.

“Over the years, our Tree Stewards have helped thousands of Union County children learn how important it is to preserve and protect our urban and suburban treescapes,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “They make an invaluable contribution to the health of our environment, and the Freeholder Board is proud to support them.”

The Master Tree Steward program is run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, which brings local residents together with experts from Rutgers University.

No previous teaching experience is needed. Volunteers who complete the fall training achieve Master Tree Steward certification and are qualified to present the Extension’s tree lesson to fourth grade students. They also receive lesson kits and ongoing guidance from Rutgers staff.

“It’s no wonder that children love the Master Tree Steward classroom visits,” said Bergen. “The lesson consists of games and hands-on activities that make learning fun.”

Master Tree Stewards also participate in tree plantings and other outdoor conservation activities in Union County.

To obtain a Master Tree Steward application, contact Union County 4-H Agent James Nichnadowicz at 908-654-9854 ext.3 or jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org.

Applications must be submitted by August 31.

The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County is supported in part with funding from the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and is headquartered at the Colleen Fraser Building at the county services complex in Westfield, at 300 North Avenue East.

For more information about the Extension and all Union County environmental programs and activities, including 4-H youth clubs and the Master Gardeners program, visit The Green Connection online at 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.

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Freeholders Announce Additional Farmers Market
Voucher Distribution Date

Union County, NJ – The Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce one additional distribution of 2017 Farmer’s Market program, which provides free vouchers for income-eligible seniors to purchase fresh produce from participating farmer’s markets.

The Farmer’s Market program enables income eligible adults age 60 and above to obtain five free vouchers worth a total of $25.00 to purchase “Jersey Fresh” fruits, vegetables and herbs.

In Union County, the final voucher distribution of the season will be held on Thursday, August 24 at the Roselle Community Center, at 1268 Shaffer Avenue in Roselle, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Seniors from any municipality in Union County can apply for the vouchers, if they have not received any in 2017.

To meet the eligibility requirements, a single person’s annual income cannot exceed $22,311 and a married couple’s combined income may not exceed $30,044. To receive a voucher, seniors should be prepared to show identification with their age, residency and income. A Medicaid card, SSI, SNAP (Food Stamp), annual pension, or social security statement may serve as proof of eligibility.

For more information about the Farmers Market nutrition program, and all other services provided by the Union County Department of Human Services, Division of Aging and Disability Resource, call 888-280-8226 or 877-222-3737, or visit the Union County website, 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.
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CLARK, NJ—The Union County Summer Arts Festival Concert Series for 2017 will come to a close at Oak Ridge Park in Clark on Wednesday evening, August 23, with a performance by New York State of Mind, performing the music of Billy Joel. Show time is scheduled for 7:30 pm.

New York State of Mind celebrates one of the greatest singer/songwriters of our time. The band’s precise renditions of Joel’s classic songs are certain to move both casual listeners as well as hardcore fans to their feet and have them singing along with all the well known and loved classics.

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 Café Gallo and the Good Humor Man.

As always the Union County Get Fit Yoga program will precede the concert, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Bring a mat or beach towel and participate in the healthy activities for the entire family. Conducting the yoga program on August 23 will be Hot Yoga Revolution of Cranford.

“This will be the final opportunity for residents to enjoy the great musical entertainment in beautiful Oak Ridge Park, so gather your family and friends and spend an evening in the park,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen.
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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.