Category: Public Info

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Recreation invite children and adults with disabilities to enjoy an afternoon of ice skating at the Warinanco Park Ice Skating Center, located on Thompson Avenue in Roselle, on Sunday, March 5.

There will be two sessions offered, the first from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. With a second session added from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. The event is open to people with disabilities, their families and friends, free of charge. All those wishing to participate must register in advance at www.ucnj.org/parks-reg/.

“Lace Up Your Skates” is a program developed through the Recreation Department’s Office for Programs for People with Disabilities Division. There will be skate guards on duty throughout the event, and skate-walkers will be available for those needing assistance.

“This will be a wonderful opportunity for both youngsters and adults with disabilities to enjoy the ice at the Warinanco Park Ice Skating Center in a fun and safe atmosphere for all,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen.

For answers to any questions you might have on this program or any other programs offered for people with disabilities please call 908-527-4781. And for a complete list of Programs for People with Disabilities you can go to https://ucnj.org/parks-recreation/recreation-for-people-with-disabilities/.

Union County Freeholders Christopher Hudak and Vernell Wright present Linden Mayor Derek Armstead and Councilman Robert Sadowski, Councilwoman Gretchen Hickey and Councilwoman Rhashonna Cosby-Hurling with a new 12-passenger van that will provide free transport for senior citizens. The vans are being awarded to a total of 18 municipalities this year through Freeholder Chairman Bruce Bergen’s “Seniors in Motion” initiative to assist seniors with free, local transport. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Freeholders Christopher Hudak and Vernell Wright present Rahway Mayor Samson Steinman with a new 15-passenger van that will provide free transport for senior citizens. The vans are being awarded to a total of 18 municipalities this year through Freeholder Chairman Bruce Bergen’s “Seniors in Motion” initiative to assist seniors with free, local transport. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Citing the County’s continued economic strength and manageable debt levels,  Moody’s has assigned Aaa bond rating to Union County—the highest attainable.

This rating affirms the County’s strong financial standing, with Moody’s citing Union County as having “a very strong management team that has pushed hard to turn around the County’s finances.”

“The bond rating is an affirmation of our sound fiscal management,” Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen said. “The County Manager, the Freeholder’s Fiscal Committee and the Department of Finance have worked hard to keep the County’s fiscal house in top condition during a challenging economic period in our history.”

The achievements are all the more significant as they have occurred during a period of fiscal instability in the State of New Jersey, which has experienced a record ten credit downgrades since 2009.

“This is good news for the County and our taxpayers as a whole,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella, who is also the Fiscal Committee Chairman. “We will continue our progress this year in building upon this foundation of fiscal responsibility.”

Moody’s noted that “the upgrade to Aaa rating reflects the county’s large, diverse tax base with above-average wealth levels and it’s strong and improved financial position reflecting sound management and budgeting practices.”

Among the benefits, the ratings increase means the County could borrow money at lower interest rates, saving tax dollars.

The ratings agency also noted the County’s “tax base has actually grown in each of the past two years, indicating a potential turnaround. There are ongoing development projects throughout the county including new hotels, residential units, warehousing, luxury, senior living communities, mall expansions, and pharmaceutical expansions,” throughout Union County.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders presents the 5^th Annual Chester Holmes Humanitarian Award

Union County celebrates Black History Month with a free performance honoring famed Civil Rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday, February 27 at 6:30 p.m. at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway.

Sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs under the Department of Parks and Recreation, “A Beautiful Symphony of Brotherhood: A Musical Journey in the Life of Martin Luther King, Jr.” highlights how music influenced and inspired the work of Dr. King.

“Each February, Americans recognize and celebrate the contributions and accomplishments of African-Americans to our nation’s history,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “The Freeholder Board is proud to support events that illustrate the truths of the history we all share.”

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. grew up listening to and singing church songs, and saw gospel and folk music as natural tools to further the civil rights movement.

Hosted by Terrance McKnight, “A Beautiful Symphony of Brotherhood: A Musical Journey in the Life of Martin Luther King, Jr.” is a live adaptation of McKnight’s radio documentary, which was produced for WQXR, New York Public Radio.  In this one-hour presentation, Terrance McKnight interweaves musical examples with Dr. King’s own speeches and sermons to illustrate the powerful place that music held in his work—and examines how the musical community responded to and participated in Dr. King’s cause.

“The life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. – a true community activist who brought hope and healing to America during a time in our history of rampant injustice and discrimination – have been a source of inspiration for many who seek peace, justice and equality,” said Freeholder Linda Carter. “All are invited to experience this unique production that offers insight into what inspired and influenced the words, actions, spirits and ideals of Dr. King.”

The evening’s event will also feature the 5^th annual presentation of the Chester Holmes Humanitarian Award. Presented by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the Chester Holmes Humanitarian Award is given to a candidate that displays outstanding devotion to the people of Union County through their service-based or philanthropic work.

Admission to “A Beautiful Symphony of Brotherhood: A Musical Journey of Martin Luther King, Jr.” is free of charge, but advance registration is requested. Please call the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 908-558-2550 to reserve a seat, or visit www.ucnj.org/BlackHistoryMonth.

Also in February, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is proud to sponsor two additional Black History Month events.

On Saturday, February 4 at 3:00 p.m., United Youth of New Jersey will present Black Wall Street: A True Reflection of the Sun People at Kean University’s Wilkins Theatre. An original play written and directed by UNYJ founders Mr. and Mrs. Brown, the play tells the story of the men and women of the Greenwood District – one of the most thriving African American communities in America from 1907 to 1921. For more information visit unitedyouthofnj.org or contact UYNJ at 908-220-5279.

Presented by the Union County Performing Arts Center and co-sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the City of Rahway, Call Mr. Robeson, a poignant tribute to an extraordinary man in black history, will be presented at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway on Saturday, February 11 at 5:30 p.m. Written, produced, and performed by Tayo Aluko, this free performance preserves and honors Paul Robeson’s memory while teaching audiences that speaking out against injustice is everyone’s responsibility. For more information visit ucpac.org or call the UCPAC Box Office at 732-499-8226.

For more information about Union County’s 2017 Black History Month events, as well as a map of important historic sites and people from Union County visit ucnj.org/BlackHistoryMonth.

Union County, NJ – Bird watchers and nature fans of all kinds can try their hand at spotting an unusual and elusive bird in Union County parks next month, during the annual “Woodcock Walk.” The free event will be held in the Watchung Reservation on Tuesday evening March 14, and in Lenape Park on Tuesday evening March 21. Both events begin at 6:15 p.m.

“Among other distinctive traits the American Woodcock is known as harbinger of spring, so this annual event is a good way to shake off the winter blues, get outdoors and look for signs of warmer weather to come,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen.

The American Woodcock goes by a variety of colorful names including timberdoodle, Labrador twister, night partridge and bog sucker.

They are part of the shorebird family, but they have evolved to adjust to inland habitats. They require open fields for roosting and courting, thickets for foraging, and hardwood forests for nesting and brooding.

The bird’s distinctive behavior is highlighted by an airborne dance performed by the males, which observers have described as mesmerizing.

Other behaviors unique to the woodcock include its buzzy “peent” calls and the bobbing motion it makes while foraging on the ground.

The two Woodcock Walk events are free and open to adults and children age 10 and up with an adult. Pre-registration is required by emailing bkelly@ucnj.org.

Participants are advised to dress warmly and bring a flashlight.

Participants in the Watchung Reservation event will gather at Masker’s Barn in the Deserted Village, 13 Cataract Hollow Road in Berkeley Heights.

The Lenape Park group will meet at the old Trap and Skeet field house near the main entrance to Lenape Park, off Kenilworth Boulevard in Cranford.

Each Woodcock Walk will begin with a brief presentation hosted by birding experts Evelyn Morton and Pete Axelrod.

Representatives from the Friends of Lenape Park will also be on hand to share their knowledge at the Lenape event. As a member of the Union County Adopt-a-Park program, the Friends of Lenape Park oversees the bluebird boxes in the park among other projects.

After each presentation, participants will head into a nearby field to listen for the bird’s unusual call, and to keep watch to catch for a possible glimpse of the male in flight.

For more information on activities and programs in Union County parks, and to find out about volunteering with Union County Adopt-a-Park, call 908-527-4900, or visit ucnj.org/parks.

For quick links to all Union County environmental and sustainability programs 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Please be advised that the Fiscal Affairs Committee of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders will be hosting Special Meetings on the 2016 Budget.

• official public notice click here
• executive budget click here
• budget as introduced click here
• adopted budget click here

Below are dates, locations and powerpoint presentation as they become available.

These meetings of the Fiscal Affairs Committee are not Regular Meetings of the Board of Chosen Freeholders.  No action will be taken. Members of the public are invited to attend, though there will not be a public comment portion. All times and dates are subject to change without notice.

Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen, Vice Chairman Sergio Granados and Freeholder Angel G. Estrada present resolutions to the 2017 Union County St. Patrick’s Day Parade Grand Marshal Joe Nolan, General Chairman Harry Capko and Parade Adjutant Debbie Sully congratulating them on the 21^stannual parade. The 2017 Union County St. Patrick’s Day Parade steps off at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 11 on Morris Avenue in Union.

For more information please visit www.unioncountystpatricksdayparade.com.

(Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Freeholder Vice Chairman Sergio Granados and Freeholders Alexander Mirabella and Bette Jane Kowalski present a resolution to Laura O’Brien and Kathleen Laczynski of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America supporting and recognizing the group’s BeSmart Campaign to take action to promote responsible gun ownership and reduce child gun deaths and responsible children gun storage. There are joined by Union County Sheriff Joseph Cryan.

(Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen and Freeholder Alexander Mirabella present a resolution to Union County Vocational-Technical Schools Superintendent Peter Capodice, National Future Farmers of America (FFA) advisor and horticulture instructor Bonnie Baldasare and FFA members Aaron Etienne and Colleen Clark designating the week of February 18, 2017 through February 25, 2017 as National Future Farmers of America Week in Union County. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)