Category: Public Info

The Union County Freeholder Board, through the Union County Workforce Business Innovation Center, is pleased to once again announce United Airlines will be holding its annual “United Summer Assist Program,” a summer employment program for people 18 to 24 years old. Those interested in signing up for the informational program on March 29th can contact Henri Baptiste at 908-355-4444 or via e-mail baptiste@ucc.edu

Spring has sprung and the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites you to investigate the wonders of the spring season at Trailside Nature and Science Center.  Located in the scenic 2065-acre Watchung Reservation, the Trailside center offers a wide variety of programs for children, adults and families in April, May and June.  The Visitor Center houses 4,500 square feet of interactive, child-friendly exhibits featuring a towering 34 foot American beech tree exhibit which fills the building’s atrium. Visit the Night Theater, the Lenape Native American wigwam and the Wetland Habitat with live fish and turtles. 

“There is something for everyone who has an interest in nature,” states Freeholder Chairman Bruce Bergen, “Trailside is the perfect place to visit and have fun while learning about the natural world around them.”

Parents with children up to age three can enjoy TODDLER TIME, a series of workshops that incorporate sensory hikes, stories, crafts and activities to acquaint adults and children with the natural world.  Due to popular demand, this workshop series is now offered weekly on Thursdays, from 9:30-10:30 am and again at 11:15 am to 12:15 pm and on Fridays, from 10:00-11:00 am.  Families will delight to learn about animal mothers, numbers in nature, ladybugs, Earth Day and much more. 

For children, ages 3 or 4, with an adult, Trailside offers TWO OF US, an interactive program that encourages nature discovery through hikes and other indoor/outdoor activities with a parent. This program is offered on Tuesdays from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. or Wednesdays from

10:00 to 11:00 a.m.  Among the many topics explored this spring will be Masters of Music, Lucky Ladybugs, the 3 R’s and Wet-n-Wild.

SMALL FRY DAYS, a drop-off program for children ages 4-6, is offered on Tuesdays, from 9:45 to 11:00 a.m. This workshop series is designed to foster an awareness and appreciation of the natural world through hikes, explorations and nature related activities.  Participants in this educational workshop series will learn how opossums survive in the wild, the lifecycle of a ladybug, the water cycle and how wildlife mothers care for their babies.

Children in the 1^st to 3^rd grades can take part in AFTERSCHOOL EXPLORATIONS, a drop-off program designed to acquaint children with nature explorations, hikes and outdoor activities.  Children enrolled in this workshop series meet on Thursdays at 3:30-4:45 p.m.  Learn interesting facts about why trees are important to people and wildlife, the different mammals, birds, reptiles and insects that live in the Watchung Reservation and ways to go green for Earth Day.  In one of the many workshops, youngsters will investigate the stories about the legendary constellations of Orion the Hunter, Draco the Dragon and the Big Dipper.

Trailside’s spring workshops are held April, May and June.  Registrants can sign up for the series or choose only those topics that are of interest.  Pre-registration is required and the fee is $10.00 per class for Union County residents and $12.00 per class for out-of-county residents.  Walk-ins can be accommodated if space permits.  A new online registration system designed to make access to our Parks and Recreation services easy and convenient has been adopted.  Register online at www.ucnj.org/trailside and create a new account and password.

To see our spring brochure with a complete listing of workshops offered; including, dates, times and fees for children’s workshops, family programs, teacher training, Trailside Talks and special events visit us on the web at www.ucnj.org/trailside or call 908-789-3670.  Trailside Nature & Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.           

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Recreation are pleased to announce the 2017 Wildlife Photography Contest at Trailside Nature & Science Center.  Amateur photographers, ages six through adult, are invited to enter their original photographs of wild animals in their natural habitat.

“Wild animals are challenging photographic subjects and the Wildlife Photography Contest is a great opportunity for people of all ages to put their skills to the test and attempt to capture animals in their natural habitat,” stated Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen.

Last year the winners of the Wildlife Photography Contested included George Valladares of Clark in the adult category for ages 18 and older for his photo of a Carolina Wren, Aram Vlahogiannis of Rutherford in the 12 – 17 year old category for his Diamondback Terrapin photo and Keith Mann of Scotch Plains in the 6 – 11 year old category for his photo of an Eastern Gray Squirrel.

Only images of wildlife species native to the United States are eligible for submission.  Images of exotic wildlife, pets or domestic animals will not be considered.  Individuals may enter a maximum of two photographs.   Entries must be un-matted, un-framed 5” X 7” black and white or color prints.  Entries must be received or postmarked no later than Friday, April 14, 2017.

Photographs entered into the Wildlife Photography Contest will be judged by local professional photographers for originality, composition, technical excellence and artistic merit.  Participants can enter one of three age groups; 6 – 11, 12 – 17 or 18 and older.  Four winners in each age group will have their photographs published in Trailside’s 2018 calendar.  Winners will be announced on Sunday, April 30, 2017 during Trailside’s Wild Earth Fest event. 

To obtain a brochure with the complete list of rules and entry form for the Wildlife Photography contest, call Trailside at 908-789-3670 or visit www.ucnj.org/trailside.   Trailside Nature & Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

Union County Freeholders Christopher Hudak and Vernell Wright present Summit Mayor Nora Radest, Community Programs Director Judith Josephs and Senior Program Coordinator Gretchen Masterfano with a new 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 H. 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 Union Mayor Suzette Cavadas, Deputy Mayor Joseph Florio, Committeeman Clifton People, Jr., Committeeman Manuel Figueiredo and Supervisor of Senior Citizens Activities Phyllis Monguso with a new 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 H. Bergen’s “Seniors in Motion” initiative to assist seniors with free, local transport. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Freeholders Linda Carter and Mohamed S. Jalloh present a resolution to singer/songwriter Alexis Morrast of Plainfield congratulating her on winning first prize at “Showtime at the Apollo,” a brand-new one-hour special and reimagining of the classic talent showcase series. Morrast was also joined by her parents (inset) Lorenzo and Tiffany Morrast. Alexis Morrast, a 10th grader at Plainfield Academy for the Arts & Advanced Studies (PAAAS), won on February 1 at the Fox show hosted by Steve Harvey.

Union County Board of Chosen Freeholder is proud to bring a sensory-friendly performance of American Repertory Ballet’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream to the stage at the Union County Performing Arts Center on Sunday, April 2, at 1:00 P.M.

Presented as part of the Union County’s Sensory Friendly Theatre series, this abridged, one-hour sensory-friendly ballet performance of the A Midsummer Night’s Dream is adapted especially for children and adults with sensory sensitivities and other special needs.

Available now, 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.

“Adapting productions to help reduce disturbances at live performances, the sensory-friendly series seeks to increase access to the arts for children and adults with sensory sensitivities,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “The Freeholder Board is proud to help make this Shakespeare classic accessible to families with children and adults of all abilities and needs.”

Set to an enchanting score by Felix Mendelssohn, the ballet brings to life the wit and splendor of one of William Shakespeare’s most popular comedies. Featuring colorful choreography, costumes and sets, the story portrays the weaving tales of cunning fairies, quarreling lovers and a hilariously amateur acting group as their paths cross in a magical forest.

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.

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.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders announces the first in a series of programs in remembrance of the Centennial of World War I. The keynote event will be a free lecture by Dr. Mark D. Van Ells, author of the acclaimed book America and World War I: A Traveler’s Guide, on Monday, April 3, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the historic Snyder Academy, 42 Broad Street in midtown Elizabeth.

The United States formally entered World War I on April 6, 1917.

“Dr. Van Ells offers fascinating insights about the challenges our country faced as we mobilized for war and sent thousands off to fight in foreign lands,” said Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, who is the liaison to the Cultural and Heritage Programs Advisory Board.

Dr. Van Ells is Professor of History at Queensborough Community College in New York.

America and World War I: A Traveler’s Guide, includes details about major battles and battlefields as well as memorials, museums and other points of interest to the traveler, along with maps and photographs.

A question and answer period and meet-and-greet session with Dr. Ells will follow the lecture.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to view a display of original sheet music from the World War I era provided by Mr. Charles Shallcross, President of the Union County Historical Society.

Pre-registration is suggested but not required. To register or to receive more information, contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage at 908-436-2912 or jprescott@ucnj.org.

This program is coordinated by the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs in the Department of Parks and Recreation, and funded in part through the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State.

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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 : Courtesy of Dr. Mark D. Van Ells.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce the first Family Pride CommUNITY Picnic in Union County, celebrating marriage equality in the state of New Jersey, on Saturday, June 17, 2017 from 12:00 noon until 4:00 p.m. at Rahway River Park.

“This inclusive family event is an opportunity to bring our families, friends and neighbors together 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.

Since the federal marriage equality ruling in 2015, thousands of same-sex couples have married state-wide. The free Family Pride CommUNITY Picnic event aims to reach beyond the Union County boarders and invites all families across the state to join us to celebrate Pride.

A celebration of all families, Union County’s first Family Pride CommUNITY Picnic will feature music, arts and crafts, family field day games, inflatable bounce houses, playground fun, and many other family activities. Families are invited to pack a picnic, a blanket or lawn chairs and head out to the park for an afternoon of fun! Food trucks will also be on site for those who wish to purchase lunch.

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.

“This inclusive event aims to celebrate all families in our community,” said Freeholder Chairman Bergen. “It is our hope that when we look out across Rahway River Park on June 17 at all of the families at the Pride family event, we’ll see the diversity of what family looks like.”

In 2013, New Jersey became the 14^th state with marriage equality, granting same-sex couples the security of marriage in New Jersey. In 2015 the Supreme Court ruled in favor of same-sex marriage nationwide. While same-sex couple have been creating and supporting families for centuries in the state of New Jersey, it was with this landmark ruling that the profound union of marriage was granted to all Americans to uphold, as Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy stated in the 2015 ruling, ‘the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, sacrifice and family.”

Families are invited to visit the vendor and resource tables for giveaways and information. Equality and family advocacy organizations will also set up tables alongside the Freeholder Board Information van with general information, and support and networking resources.

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.