Category: Public Info

The 2016 Union County Summer Arts Festival concert series  will come to an end this coming Wednesday evening August 24, with N.Y. State of Mind taking the stage at 7:30 p.m. The free concert series is presented by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and sponsored by Whole Foods of Clark.

“We wrap up another exciting summer of entertainment in our parks with a fabulous performance featuring music made famous by the great Billy Joel,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce Bergen. “And be sure to arrive early to participate in UC Get Fit Yoga in the Park, a great way for families to stay healthy together.”

Formed over the winter months of 2014 and 2015, New York State of Mind celebrates one of the greatest singer/songwriters of our time. The band’s precise renditions of Billy Joel’s classic songs are certain to move both casual listeners and hardcore fans to their feet and have them singing along with all of the well known and loved classics.

While enjoying the wonderful music, concertgoers can visit Tony’s Traveling Trattoria which will treat your palate to excellent Italian comfort food. Also the Good Humor Truck will be on site hosted by TG and Sons serving ice cream and snacks. Attendees can also pack a picnic basket, bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy the music under the stars.

Once again UC Get Fit Yoga in the Park, a Union County Freeholder initiative will be part of the Wednesday night pre-concert schedule, with Hot Yoga Revolution of Cranford presenting a free community class from 6:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.  Bring a mat or beach towel and participate in healthy activities for the entire family before the music begins.

Along with the music and yoga, representatives from the Union County Department of Public Safety will be on hand to provide concert goers with information on keeping yourself and your family safe and will have a number of public safety vehicles on display.

#  #

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.

Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen and Freeholder Vernell Wright joined New Jersey Association of Counties (NJAC) Legislative Director Allen A. Weston in presenting NJAC Foundation scholarship checks and certificates to Union County Vocational Technical Schools graduates Arol Jan Millado of Elizabeth, Adrianna Sabat of Linden and Sol Condo of Cranford. The scholarships are funded by Investors Bank and PSE&G.

The NJAC Foundation is a non-profit organization affiliated with the New Jersey Association of Counties, and is committed to providing innovative educational opportunities for county vocational-technical school and county college students.

Please visit www.njac.org for additional details about NJAC and the NJAC Foundation.

(Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

[ezcol_3fifth]

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce the 2016 Union County Library Grant awards to 20 public libraries. The grants will be used to broaden and strengthen children’s programs in Union County libraries (scroll down for photos).

“Educational activities are a fundamental part of a library’s mission, and these grants will help our local public libraries meet the growing demand for up-to-date children’s programming throughout the Union County community,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen.

The Library Grant program amount this year totaled almost $150,000, more than double the amount of the 2015 program.

“Last year was the inaugural year of the grant program, and the enthusiastic response from Union County libraries demonstrated that there was strong demand for continuing the program this year, and expanding it as well,” said Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, who originated the grant program.

The program is funded with non-tax dollars for the benefit of local, non-school libraries. It is designed to help libraries upgrade facilities, programming and materials that directly benefit children’s literature and activities. The grant program also covers planning documents.

The 2016 grant recipients will use their funds for various projects including science programs, coding classes, robotics clubs, summer and after-school reading programs, technology upgrades, children’s books, educational toys, and furniture for children’s areas.

The Library Grants Program is part of Chairman Bergen’s “Union County at Work and Play” 2016 initiative for countywide economic development and quality of life improvements.

For more information on all of the 2016 Chairman’s Initiatives visit ucnj.org.

[/ezcol_3fifth] [ezcol_2fifth_end]

20 Public Libraries	Amount Awarded
Berkeley Heights	$7,250.00
Clark	$7,500.00
Cranford	$7,464.65
Elizabeth	$7,500.00
Fanwood	$7,498.34
Garwood	$7,500.00
Hillside	$7,500.00
Kenilworth	$7,498.00
Linden	$6,082.60
Mountainside	$7,500.00
New Providence	$7,467.16
Plainfield	$7,764.00
Rahway	$7,540.00
Roselle	$7,500.00
Roselle Park	$7,495.24
Scotch Plains	$7,450.00
Springfield	$7,503.00
Summit	$7,500.00
Union	$7,764.00
Westfield	$7,437.00
Grand Total	$148,713.99

[/ezcol_2fifth_end]

Union County, NJ – Union County residents have a unique opportunity to cool down, slow down, and enjoy a relaxing break from the hectic back-to-school shopping season with a visit to the A. Paul Mallery Model Railroad Center. The fully air-conditioned facility is located conveniently off Route 22 in Union Township.

The Mallery Center features two bustling, finely detailed model railroad layouts including one of the largest HO scale displays in the region. It is open to the public every Saturday afternoon and features a snack bar, train-themed gift shop and toddler play area.

“With its emphasis on historic detail and authenticity, the Mallery Center combines entertainment and education,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “If you are running errands on Route 22, it’s easy and convenient to stop by and enjoy the sights and sounds.  I had the pleasure of taking my now-grown son many times over the years and have enjoyed watching the display expand over time.”

Space for the Mallery Center is provided in Lenape Park by Union County under an arrangement with The Model Railroad Club, Inc. a local non-profit organization with roots in the 1940’s. Members of the organization funded and constructed the facility, which also houses work stations for building trains, scenery, buildings and other accessories.

“The art and craft of model railroading is thriving in Union County. We are delighted to provide visitors with a behind the scenes look at our work, and new members are always welcome,” said Tim McCollum, President of The Model Railroad Club.

Over the years, club members have spent countless hours wiring and building the displays with a meticulous attention to realism. The HO display is based on actual railroads in the New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania area.

Visitors can also view ongoing expansion for the new 50’ x 80’ section of track adjacent to the existing 40’ x 40’ HO layout.

The Mallery Center is open to the public every Saturday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. A modest admission fee is charged. Free parking is available on site, and the building is wheelchair accessible.

For more information contact The Model Railroad Club at 908-964-9724 or visit ucnj.org/model-trains.

Directions: The Mallery Center is conveniently located in Lenape Park behind the Home Depot, 954 Route 22 East, by Springfield Road in Union Township. Enter the Home Depot parking lot from Route 22 or from Springfield Road, and go to the far end where the garden center is. Turn left and a small sign will direct you to a service road behind the Home Depot. The Mallery Center is at the end of the road.

#  #

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.

Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is proud to present artworks from the Westfield Art Association, currently on exhibit at the Freeholders Gallery. The gallery is located on the 6^th floor of the Union County Administration Building, at 10 Elizabethtown Plaza in Elizabeth.

The Freeholders Gallery is free and open to the public Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The exhibit will be on display through November 1, 2016.

“If you are in midtown Elizabeth during the week, come up and visit the exhibit,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “It is a vivid demonstration of the creative energy at work in our community.”

The wide-ranging artworks on display include dye process on cotton by Michael Endy, pastel work by Twyla Tomko, digital embroidery by Alexa Cassaro, mixed media works by Margaret Najjar and Barbara Wallace, photography by Dorothy F. Bellew, Sheilia Lenga and Lloyd Marks, and paintings by Sonia Ash, Kay Bhasin, Dante Bonardi, Laura Brown, Virginia Carroll, Paul Federico, Maxine King, Jean Literate, Barbara McElheny, Margaret Najjar, Virginia Puskar, Anna Reid and Vickie Williams.

Founded in 1922, the Westfield Art Association (WWA) is the oldest independent arts organization in New Jersey.

WAA is a non-profit, volunteer organization that provides art education and public exhibitions, and actively encourages its members in the pursuit of individual artistic goals and growth. WAA welcomes all artistic mediums and all levels of experience.

Public art events organized by the WAA include art education lectures, hands-on art studio workshops, gallery exhibits, outdoor art exhibitions and pop-up galleries in Westfield restaurants and storefront windows.

WAA has also arranged Art in the Park events, including The Sketchbook Project, a traveling collection of artist sketchbooks from around the world.

The Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, part of the Department of Parks and Recreation, coordinates the exhibits displayed at the Freeholders Gallery.

For more information about the Freeholders Gallery and other programs and services related to the arts and history in Union County, visit the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs online at ucnj.org, call 908- 558-2550 or email culturalinfo@ucnj.org (NJ relay users dial 711).        

#  #

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.

Union County, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi will host a training seminar for New Jersey Notaries Public on Friday, September 16, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the John H. Stamler Police Academy at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.

The seminar will feature Union County Surrogate James LaCorte, who will present the legal aspects of the functions of notaries public.

“This is the latest in our series of training seminars for prospective, new and experienced Notaries Public, and it is a pleasure to welcome Surrogate LaCorte to share his knowledge with the goal of helping our Notaries keep up to date and informed,” said Ms. Rajoppi.

The Notary Training Seminar will encompass all aspects of the duties of a Notary Public, including the application process and legal requirements and responsibilities.

“In addition to providing prospective Notaries with an introduction to the profession, our training seminars offer continuing Notaries a valuable opportunity to test their knowledge and update their skills,” said Ms. Rajoppi.

To register for the seminar, contact Donna Connell at 908-527-4999 or email dconnell@ucnj.org. A downloadable registration form is available at the County Clerk’s website, ucnj.org/county-clerk.

The course is limited to 50 attendees and the registration fee of $5.00 is required in advance. The deadline for registration is Friday, September 9.

For more information about all Union County Clerk services including passports, elections and land records, call 908-527-4787 or visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk.

##

Connect with Union County on social media.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to present an exhibit of watercolor paintings by Roberta Zlatkin of Union 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 her work entitled “Frontier Z: The Alchemy Series” is on display at the Pearl Street Gallery through October 21. The public is invited to enjoy the exhibit during regular gallery hours, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

“The talent and diversity of our county artists assure an inspiring variety of exhibits 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 Ms. Zlatkin’s beautiful abstract watercolors.”

After graduating high school, Roberta Zlatkin went to New York City to study print making and textiles at the Art Students League. She was influenced by American Abstract Expressionists and other Modern Art of the early 20th century. The American Abstract Expressionists were a group inspired by the ebb and flow of New York City in post-World War II during the late 1940’s. Her artistic style was also influenced by the people she met from different parts of the world while in New York.

Returning home to New Jersey, she changed her path in life and entered Kean College where she studied art history and other areas of art and earned a degree in primary education. Ms. Zlatkin became a school teacher in the Elizabeth School System and enjoyed her career working with young children. After retiring in 2010 she pursued her work with watercolors more intensely.

Roberta Zlatkin said of her painting, “The four elements found in nature; water, air, earth and fire are key elements in my work. Sometimes the colors flow through my mind as if a powerful energy of how I am feeling on that day. I just go with the flow and paint.” She enjoys working with watercolors with metallic wash mixed in fine glitter with India ink and faux crystals.

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 Street, Elizabeth NJ 07202. Free on-site parking is available. Telephone 908-558-2550. NJ Relay users can dial 711. Send E-mail to: culturalinfo@ucnj.org.

Union County today served a notice of claim against the New Jersey Department of Transportation, due to the continued shutdown of five road and bridge projects resulting from Governor Chris Christie’s Executive Order No. 210. Issued on July 8, Executive Order 210 halted work on projects funded by the Transportation Trust Fund Authority throughout the state.

Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen said:

“Union County has taken this initial step in order to try to protect our residents and businesses from the disruptive consequences of Executive Order No. 210. Again, I urge Governor Christie to work with the Legislature to provide sufficient funding for the Transportation Trust Fund, and bring this period of delay and uncertainty to a swift closure.”

Executive Order 210 has halted work on three County bridge reconstruction projects and two rounds of annual road resurfacing projects.

Union County, NJ – A special Union County Harvest Contest will be part of the festivities this Wednesday, August 17 during the next edition of Union County’s free Summer Arts Festival outdoor concert series. The free concert features the music of The Beatles by Hey Bulldog beginning at 7:30, preceded by a free yoga class at 6:30, at Oak Ridge Park in Clark.

Gardeners are invited to bring samples of their produce for a chance to win a gardening certificate and prizes. Check-in starts at 6:30.

“Produce gardens are flourishing all over Union County, and we’re looking forward to seeing the biggest, best and most unusual specimens that you can grow,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen.

Prizes will be given out for the heaviest tomato, the heaviest zucchini, the funniest looking natural vegetable, and the most creative “character” made of up to five different vegetables.

The Union County Harvest Contest is hosted by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County. Extension staff will be available to talk about community programs for all ages including the Master Gardeners, Master Tree Stewards and 4-H Club.

The Extension is supported in part by the Freeholder Board. For more information visit online at ucnj.org/rce.

For more details about the Summer Arts series and all activities in Union County parks, visit ucnj.org/parks.

#  #

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.

Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen, Vice Chairman Sergio Granados and Freeholders Vernell Wright and Bette Jane Kowalski joined Senator Raymond Lesniak, Union County College President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin, Union County College Board of Trustees Chairman Victor M. Richel, Union County Improvement Authority Executive Director Daniel Sullivan and Union County Improvement Authority Chairman Anthony Scutari in cutting the ribbon officially opening the Student Development Building on the Cranford Campus.

The new 30,000 square feet state-of-the –art building is home of the Helen E. Chaney Student Services Center which will serve as the focal point for all student services.

The construction of the new facility was funded by the Union County Board of Freeholders and the project was managed by Union County Improvement Authority.

For more information about Union County College visit www.ucc.edu.