Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ – Union County residents and visitors can partake in a once-in-a-lifetime experience this Saturday and Sunday, June 24 and 25 at Oak Ridge Park in Clark, when hundreds of uniformed men, women and children stage a re-enactment to commemorate the 240^th anniversary of the 1777 Battle of Short Hills. The two-day event covers everything from dramatic clashes with British regulars to the everyday challenges – and occasional pleasures — of camp life for a war weary army on the move.

Members of the public are invited to view the battle scenes, visit the camps and participate in multi-age activities. The event is free, and free parking is available.

A free outdoor concert by the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra at Oak Ridge Park this Friday, June 23 will jump start the action packed weekend.

“The Battle of Short Hills was a crucial moment early in the Revolutionary War. It revealed the relentless courage, tenacity and ingenuity of ordinary citizens who fought the battles and supported the solders in camp,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “This commemorative re-enactment will be an enriching experience that is unlike any other the Freeholder Board has ever staged in our County parks, and we are proud to partner with the Brigade of the American Revolution to present it for all to enjoy, free of charge.”

The re-enactment is a project of the Brigade of the American Revolution and is sponsored by the Freeholder Board. BAR is the premier international living history organization dedicated to portraying the challenges facing the men and women who won freedom for the former British colonies in America.

“When you see the Battle of Short Hills unfold before your eyes, you gain a deep respect for the citizens who rose above their day to day concerns and joined together for a greater cause,” said BAR President Tom Delucco. “We hope that this weekend’s event inspires all who witness it with a renewed appreciation for the freedom we enjoy today, and for which our forebears sacrificed their comfort, their livelihoods, and their very lives.

The Battle of Short Hills was a running battle that crossed half a dozen towns in the general area of Scotch Plains in Union County and nearby in Middlesex County on June 26 in 1777, when General William Alexander (aka Lord Stirling) and his division of the Continental Army teamed up with local militia to engage General Howe’s superior British force.

Historians credit the outgunned and outnumbered Colonials with preventing the British from pursuing other Continental Army troops lead by General George Washington.

The result was a strategic victory that played a pivotal role in the many long years of war to come.

The Battle of Short Hills 240^th Anniversary Commemoration is open to the public from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. this Saturday and Sunday, June 24 and 25.

All ages are invited to participate in public activities in the camp before the battles begin, and watch from a safe distance as the action unfolds.

Public activities include musket and cannon demonstrations, an up close look at cooking and other routines of the camp, a step by step follow-along with a soldier’s life and more.

A complete schedule is available online at ucnj.org/parks-recreation.

Educational displays and programs sponsored by the Union County Department of Cultural and Heritage Affairs and local historical societies will be featured on site.

In association with the Freeholder Board, the FreeWalkers fitness and history organization is also sponsoring a “Battle of the Short Hills” march to coordinate with the Oak Ridge Park event on Saturday, June 24.

The Battle of Short Hills Commemoration is free of charge and free parking is available. Visitors are advised to bring water, sun protection and a portable chair or blanket, as the event is staged in open fields.

Food trucks will be on site and visitors are also welcome to pack their own food.

Access is via the main entrance of Oak Ridge Park, on Oak Ridge Road in Clark.

Visitors can start the weekend early by coming to Oak Ridge Park on Friday, June 23. The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra will present a musical “Road Trip Across the USA” featuring John Williams’s moving score for the film Lincoln among other history-themed works.

The concert kicks off Union County’s Summer Arts popular series of free outdoor concerts and yoga programs. The yoga session begins at 6:30 (participants should bring their own mat), and the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra will take the stage at 7:30.

For the full Summer Arts schedule and other activities in Union County parks this summer visit the Special Events Calendar online at ucnj.org/parks-activities.

For more details on the Battle of Short Hills 240^th Anniversary commemoration visit on Facebook, facebook.com/BoSH2017.

More information about BAR is available online at brigade.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.

ELIZABETH, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to present an exhibit of photographic montages by Richard Earl of Westfield in the gallery space at the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, located at 633 Pearl Street in Elizabeth. A selection of his work entitled “We Have Some Catching Up To Do” is on display at the Pearl Street Gallery until August 11. Gallery hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

“We are pleased to have Mr. Earl’s remarkable photographs and digital photo montages on display,” said Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, liaison to the Union County Cultural and Heritage Programs Advisory Board. “The exhibit showcases Mr. Earl’s unique and fascinating work.”

Richard Earl has been a photographer since 1970. His resume includes: work in photo engraving, photo silk screening, portraiture, advertising, event photography, photo restoration, custom printing and fine art photography. He earned a BA from Rutgers University and a Masters in art from New Jersey City University.

Mr. Earl completed a 30-year career as a professional firefighter in the City of Elizabeth. Since his retirement, he is involved with the creation of artwork on a daily basis. He also is an instructor and coordinator of the Fire Science Department at Union County College. His recent exhibitions include: Gaelen Gallery 17^th Annual Juried Show, 2016, (awarded Best in Photography); 15^th Annual Exhibition of the National Arts Program in Union County, 2016, (First Place, Professional category); the 2013 Union County Senior Citizens Art Exhibit (First Place and Best in Show, Professional Photography); many exhibits in the Salmagundi Club, NYC, where he has won first place twice in 2017; Juried Photography Exhibition, Monmouth Museum, Lincroft; and 32^nd Annual Mountain Juried Art Show, Bernardsville.

Two of his works were part of an electronic exhibition of digital photography that was presented at the Louvre in Paris July 13, 2015. The exhibit was broadcast on the internet and drew an audience of over 10 million viewers. Photographers from 190 countries were represented in that exhibit. The exhibit was curated by the See.Me Gallery in NYC.

His published photographs and writings include: Anthology of Friends, Volumes #8 and #10, published by Blurb Inc.; and 21^st Century Photography, Vol. 2 Embracing Life, and Vol. 3 The Human Project, edited by Mark Sean Orr. Mr. Earl’s large body of photographic work can be seen on Facebook under the name Richard Earl https://www.facebook.com/fineartbyrichardearl/.

Union County artists (whose works can be hung on a wall) interested in exhibiting in the gallery space are welcome to apply. For more information about the Pearl Street Gallery or other programs, please contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, 633 Pearl St., Elizabeth, NJ 07202. Telephone 908-558-2550. NJ Relay users can dial 711. E-mail to: culturalinfo@ucnj.org.

Union County, NJ – Students the Union County 4-H program traveled to New Brunswick last Saturday to participate in the annual statewide 4-H Public Speaking Contest at Rutgers University.

Each student spoke at length on a topic of their choice and were recognized with “Very Good,” “Excellent” and “Best in Room” awards.

Pictured here are (left-right): James Brodowski of Cranford (License Plates of the United States), Anthony Batkiw of Kenilworth (Yellowstone Super Volcano), Alicia Neal of Roselle (Digestive System of Dogs and Complications), Henrique Alvez of Hillside (The Euro Crisis), Ayomiposi and and Issac Oluwakuyide of Union ((William Shakespeare and The Rubiks Cube), and Jim Nichnadowicz, Union County 4-H Agent.

Not in picture: Kyle Grant of Union, Jack Morel of Fanwood and Nikhil Choudhary of New Providence.

Union County 4-H is a youth development program run by the in the Rutgers Cooperative Extension and supported by the Freeholder Board, serving students in grades 1-12.

For information on joining a 4-H club or volunteering as an adult club leader email jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org or visit online at ucnj.org/rce.

Photo: Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County.

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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.

Mark your calendars; the popular Wednesday Matinee Series at Trailside Nature & Science Center begins on June 28 and continues through August 9.  This popular family entertainment series begins at 1:30 p.m. each week and runs approximately 45 minutes.  All shows are recommended for children ages 4 and up.  Admission is $5.00 per person and tickets go on sale at 1:00 p.m.

“The Summer Wednesday Matinee Series at Trailside engages children and adults in an educational and entertaining way that makes science fun,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen.

The season kicks off on June 28 with HOCUS POCUS, a perfect blend of magic, audience participation, comedy and excitement.   The series continues with BUBBLE TROUBLE, on July 12, mixing comedy and music.  Jeff Boyer juggles, sculpts and builds with bubbles in an exciting energy filled program. On July 19, Cliff Sunflower, beekeeper, storyteller and performer, brings the scientific magic of a honeybee hive to life, in DANCIN’WITH THE HONEYBEES.    The fun continues on July 26 with OUTRAGEHISS PETS, sponsored by the Trailside Museum Association.  This unique and educational live animal show offers the opportunity to meet amazing creatures from all over the world.  The program is certain to spark the curiosity of the audience as it offers surprising facts about each animal.  On August 2, Joe Holiday presents READING ROCKS, a magic, comedy and music show that encourages audience participation.  Joe will incorporate themes and characters from popular children’s

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that Farmland Fresh Dairies, a dairy distributing company in New Jersey, is holding an information session for 30 full time Warehouse Associates, CDL Drivers Class A, a Bilingual Human Resource Specialist (English and Spanish), and a Logistics Analyst for their facility.

The information sessions will be held at the Union County Workforce Innovation Business Center, at The Mills at Jersey Gardens, 651 Kapkowski Road in Elizabeth on Wednesday June 28, 2017 at 10:00 am. Pre-registration is required, and attendance at the session is mandatory for job seekers to be eligible to apply for a position.

“The WIB Center continues to be an economic engine for Union County, helping to match high quality local employers with qualified job seekers,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “If you are an employer, I encourage you to get in touch with us, and let our experienced staff help you find the right people for the right jobs.”

“These positions are good quality jobs with well-established employers,” said Freeholder Vice Chairman Sergio Granados, who is in his third year as the Freeholder liaison to the Union County Workforce Development Board. “The WIB Center has worked with the private sector to provide over 2,000 job opportunities for Union County residents.”

Previous WIB Center hiring rounds have matched Union County job seekers with top employers including Whole Foods, Blue Apron, FedEx, PGK Clubhouse, OTG Management, and AirServ among others.

All candidates interested in attending the June 28 session must email their resume to isaias.rivera@ucc.edu and indicate their desired position (Warehouse Associate, CDL Driver Class A, Bilingual Human Resource Specialist, Logistics Analyst), then call Susan Gomez at 908-355-4444 to reserve a spot.

For additional information visit the WIB Center online at ucnj.org/wdb/wib-center.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is proud to welcome over a dozen LGBTQ advocacy and ally organizations to the first Family PRIDE CommUNITY Picnic, celebrating marriage equality in New Jersey. The event is this Saturday, June 17 at Rahway River Park in Rahway from Noon until 4:00 p.m.

“All families are invited to join LGBTQ family equality advocates and allies from all over the Garden State in the park on Saturday to celebrate the strength of our diversity, and to honor the great strides we’ve made in the movement for equality,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen.

LGBTQ family and marriage equality advocacy and ally organizations will set up tables, alongside the Freeholder Board information van, with general information and resource material. Some of the advocacy and ally organizations registered for the event include: Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, Social Justice Matters, Inc., New Jersey State Division of Child Protection and Permanency, Arooga’s Grille House & Sports Bar-22 North Plainfield, Union County College’s Gay Straight Alliance, and Human Rights Campaign of New Jersey, among others.

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 invited to bring hand-held signs that celebrate their family (sticks and poles are not permitted). Bring a Rally sign or join us at the Rally Poster Making Station between noon and 1:00 p.m. to create one.

Family field day team games will kick off at 2:00 P.M. Families and individuals of all ages (adults, teens, and children are all welcome) interested in participating in the field day competition should register online at ucnj.org/Pride so that teams can be formed.

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

Families are invited to pack a bag 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.

In the event of inclement weather the Family PRIDE CommUNITY Picnic will be held inside the Rahway Recreation Center, located at 275 East Milton Ave, Rahway. Special thanks to the City of Rahway for providing the rain location.

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

Union County, NJ — The Rutgers Master Gardeners of Union County are on a mission to help gardens flourish all over Union County, and this summer they are offering a free Vegetable Garden Series of classes and garden tours available to all gardeners from beginner to expert. The series is held in the Union County Demonstration Garden.

The Demonstration Garden, located in Union County’s Watchung Reservation by the Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside, is the centerpiece of the Master Gardeners’ many community service programs.

“The Master Gardeners are one of the most active volunteer organizations in Union County, and they have touched the lives of many Union County residents with their willingness to share their expertise and time,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “The Freeholder Board is very proud to support their efforts.”

The first class and tour of the Vegetable Gardening Series will be on Thursday, June 22 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.  The program includes a class titled “Starting a Vegetable Garden” along with a tour of the Sharing Garden beds at the Demonstration Garden.

The Sharing Garden features 24 raised beds of vegetables commonly grown in home yards and community gardens.  All produce from the garden is donated to local food pantries.   The class will cover site selection, planting tips, maintenance and budgeting aimed at smoothing the path to a successful vegetable garden. 

Other topics and dates in the series are:

Tuesday, July 25: Keeping Pests Out of the Garden — Insect and Disease Management

Wednesday, August 9: Harvesting and Food Safety in the Vegetable Garden

Thursday, September 7: Keys to Successful Composting

All programs include a tour of the Sharing Garden that relates to the topic of the evening’s class.

The program is free but pre-registration is required at tinyurl.com/Rutgers-Vegetable-Series.

Free parking is available in the Trailside Nature and Science Center parking lot, located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside. 

The Master Gardeners of Union County is a volunteer community service organization run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County and supported in part by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

For more information about the Vegetable Garden Series, or to find out how to join the Master Gardeners, call the Extension at 908-654-9854, option 4. The Extension offices are located in the Colleen Fraser County Services building in Westfield, at 300 North Avenue East.

For more details about the Demonstration Garden and other Master Gardeners program visit mastergardeners-uc.org.

Links to Master Tree Stewards, 4-H youth clubs and all other Extension programs are available at ucnj.org/rce.

The Rutgers Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity program provider and employer. Contact your local Extension Office for information regarding special needs or accommodations. Contact the State Extension Director’s Office if you have concerns related to discrimination, 848-932-3584.

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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.

Join the Union County Rain Garden Bus Tour this Saturday, June 17 and learn the landscaping tricks that cut down water bills and help reduce flooding, while adding color and greenery to a property.

Home owners, businesses, nonprofits, religious institutions and government agencies are all welcome.

Public works can qualify for three technical credits.

For details contact Michele Bakacs, Union County Environmental Agent at 732-398-5274 or mbakacs@rutgers.edu, or register online at tinyurl.com/raingardentour.

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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.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (WellCare) as a “Community” sponsor of the Family PRIDE CommUNITY Picnic, celebrating marriage equality in New Jersey, on June 17 at Rahway River Park in Rahway from Noon until 4:00 p.m.

“All families are invited to join LGBTQ family equality advocates and allies from all over the Garden State to come out to the park and celebrate the strength of our diversity, and to honor the great strides we’ve made in the movement for equality,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “The Freeholder Board is proud to welcome WellCare of New Jersey as a top sponsor of the County’s first Family PRIDE CommUNITY Picnic.”

Headquartered in Tampa, Fla., WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (NYSE: WCG) focuses exclusively on providing health care services, through NJ FamilyCare, Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans, to families, children, seniors and individuals with complex medical needs. WellCare serves approximately 3.9 million members nationwide as of Dec. 31, 2016.

“We are extremely pleased and excited to be part of such an important event,” said Clarissa Robles, Senior Community Relations Specialist for WellCare of New Jersey. “WellCare is committed to offering health care plans to everyone – we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.”

A celebration of all families, the free Family PRIDE CommUNITY Picnic will feature music, arts and crafts, inflatable bounce houses, playground fun, and much more.

A Family Equality Rally will kick off at 1:00 p.m. with special guest speakers and performances. Families are invited to bring hand-held signs that celebrate their family (sticks and poles are not permitted).

Family field day team games will kick off at 2:00 p.m. Families and individuals of all ages (adults, teens, and children are all welcome) interested in participating in the field day competition should register online at ucnj.org/Pride so that teams can be formed.

Esteemed children’s music band, Michael and the Rockness Monsters will close out the day’s celebration with a live family concert in the park starting at 2:30 p.m.

Families are invited to pack a bag 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.

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