The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to present the Bring Back the Bats informational workshop on Saturday, November 11th, 2023 at the Trailside Museum in Mountainside, hosted by Girl Scout Ambassador Lila Keller with guest Rutgers naturalist Kathleen Kerwin.
“Bats are animals that are often misunderstood and undervalued, even though they play a major role in our ecosystem,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “Here in New Jersey, bats help our agriculture industry by consuming a significant number of crop pests, reducing the need for chemical pest control. Bat echolocation is even driving advancements in military technology and healthcare systems. I encourage all Union County residents to learn more about how these creatures benefit us at the Bring Back the Bats workshop.”
The Bring Back the Bats workshop, led by Lila Keller and Kathleen Kerwin, will run from 10:30am-11:30am at the Trailside Museum, 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside on Saturday, November 11th, 2023. Participants of all ages will gain insights into the world of bats and the critical role they play in our environment, understand the threats bats face and explore the significance of conservation efforts.
The workshop will also feature a presentation on a recent Girl Scout project that showcases how anyone can contribute to the recovery of local bat populations. Lila Keller, Girl Scout Ambassador, will share her experiences and insights from this project, highlighting how small actions can make a big difference.
Kathleen Kerwin, M.S., received her B.S. and M.S. in Ecology, Evolution and Natural Resources from Rutgers University in 2012 and 2014 respectively. She has a strong background in wildlife monitoring and management with project experience throughout the United States. Kathleen joined the Wildlife Conservation and Management Program in 2015, and her responsibilities include program management, development of educational programs, and delivery of extension services.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners, in coordination with the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, is proud to announce the return of “Four Centuries in a Weekend,” this Saturday and Sunday, October 21st and 22nd. Throughout the weekend, more than 30 historic sites are open, free to the public, showcasing aspects of life here over the course of four centuries.
“There will be an abundance of activities this weekend, for adults and children alike” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “On behalf of my fellow commissioners, we invite you to come take a look at earlier times. Enjoy the tours, special events, exhibits and demonstrations. There’s no better way to learn about our history than seeing it come to life through hands-on demonstrations.”
Demonstrations taking place include:
Westfield – Miller-Cory House Museum – 614 Mountain Avenue · Felt-making; authentic colonial-era open-hearth cooking (on Saturday) using period recipes and techniques
Kenilworth – Oswald J. Nitschke House – 49 South 21 Street · Multicultural garden-to-table demonstration
Rahway – Merchants & Drovers Tavern Museum – 1632 St. George Avenue · On Sunday: Open-hearth cooking demonstration in the tavern kitchen
New Providence – Salt Box Museum – 1350 Springfield Avenue · Spinning wheel demo
Clark – Dr. William Robinson Plantation Museum – 593 Madison Hill Road · Open-hearth cooking and other demonstrations
Rahway, Union County Performing Arts Center – 1601 Irving Street · Guided tours of theater, including a demonstration of the historic Wurlitzer organ and explanation of the projection and movie system
Explore aspects of Black History at these sites:
Elizabeth, Siloam Hope First Presbyterian Church & Snyder Academy – 42 Broad Street · “Oh Freedom,” an exhibit about the effects of the American Revolution on people of African descent
Plainfield, Drake House Museum – 602 West Front Street · Reenactor from Living History Co., a Black-owned company providing living-history experiences for a diverse variety of eras and topics, specializing in Black history and culture
Rahway – African-American History & Heritage Learning Center – 261 Central Avenue · Saturday only: Guided tours of this site, where an 1800s one-room schoolhouse once stood — the first public school for “colored children” in Rahway
Scotch Plains – Shady Rest Country Club – 820 Jerusalem Road · Tours of this historic site, which was the first black-owned country club in the United States
Summit – Wallace Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church – 138-142 Broad Street · Lecture by Rev. Dr. Denison D. Harrield, Jr. (Saturday at 12, Sunday at 1) about the history of the Chapel and Dr. Florence S. Randolph, who advocated for justice, equality, equity, civil rights and women’s suffrage
Crafts and other activities for kids include:
Berkeley Heights – Deserted Village of Feltville / Glenside Park – 1 Cataract Hollow Rd · Archaeological activity and old-fashioned children’s games
Scotch Plains – Shady Rest Country Club – 820 Jerusalem Road · Mini-golf both days, horseback-riding on Saturday
Scotch Plains – Osborn Cannonball House Museum – 1840 Front Street · Make a ghost doll
Union – Caldwell Parsonage – 909 Caldwell Avenue · Create tricorn hats and colonial-style bonnets, make “church” dolls, and play colonial and Native American games
“Whether you’re a parent looking to spend quality time with your children, a group of friends seeking something unique, or a history-lover, there is something for you this weekend,” said Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski, who serves on the Cultural and Heritage Programs Advisory Board.
For details about the tours, exhibits and special activities at each site, including updates or late-breaking changes, visit http://www.ucnj.org/4c or contact the individual site.
Four Centuries in a Weekend is funded in part by a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, part of the Division of Cultural Affairs in the Department of State, and is organized by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, in collaboration with staff and volunteers at the sites and is sponsored by the Union County Board of County Commissioners. The Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs is a division of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. For information about all Cultural and Heritage programs, including grant opportunities, visit ucnj.org/cultural. For information about all programs and activities
We would like to report that the missing teenager has been found and is being reunited with her family. We would like to thank each and every one of you for all of your cooperation, shares and tips.
There is an ongoing search effort coordinated through the Union County Police Department in collaboration with multiple public safety agencies, in locating Sophia Hetrick, a 14-year-old white female who was last seen in Watchung Reservation. She was last seen wearing a pink top, white shorts, and has long blond hair with pink headphones. Sophia is a high-functioning autistic child and was reported missing while hiking with her family in the Loop Recreation area of the Reservation.
We want to emphasize that there is no immediate threat to safety. We request that you check your sheds and open garage areas. The New Jersey State Police have deployed a helicopter equipped with special night vision technology to aid in the search, and it will be operational throughout the night.
Please be aware that there will be a visible presence of first responders searching in yards and wooded areas throughout the night until Sophia is located. We ask that you keep your outdoor lights on and promptly call your local police department or 911 if you have any information that may assist in her location.
Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi announces that sample ballots for the November 7th General Election will begin being mailed to all registered Union County voters next week. Additionally, sample ballots can be viewed and downloaded on the County Clerk’s elections website unioncountyvotes.com, and through Union County Votes, a free app for all mobile devices.
“We urge voters to familiarize themselves with the candidates running for office in the general election as well as the Board of Education election candidates along with any referendum questions,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “The website and app offer a convenient way for voters to familiarize themselves with their ballot, even before they receive their copy in the mail.”
Early voting begins on Saturday October 28, 2023 and locations for early voting are also listed on the Clerk’s website. Applications for voting by mail are accepted by mail until October 31, 2023, however, voters can come to Clerk’s offices either in Elizabeth or Westfield to apply for a vote by mail ballot up to 3:00 p.m. on November 6, 2023.
Voters with any questions about their sample ballots can call the County Clerk’s Elections Division, 908-527-4996 or email the Elections Division at ucvote@ucnj.org.
For more information about the County Clerk’s election services visit unioncountyvotes.com or contact the Elections Division at 908-527-4996 or ucvote@ucnj.org.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners are excited to announce that after its successful launch during the summer, a full rollout of Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados’ “Youth Swim Ready” pilot program initiative this fall. This program will offer free swim lessons to eligible youth in communities across the County.
“In light of the remarkable success we witnessed with our pilot program offering free swimming lessons for youth, we are excited to announce the launch of an expanded fall program,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “The urgency for such initiatives cannot be understated, as alarming statistics reveal that a significant number of children face the risks of drowning due to inadequate swimming skills. Our commitment to addressing this issue remains strong, and as we expand our efforts, we aim to reach even more children in our community, equipping them with the life-saving skill of swimming. Together, we can make a profound impact on the safety and well-being of our youngest residents.”
Keeping in line with Chairman Granados’ 2023 theme of “Building a Stronger Union County,” this program will run from October to December through the Department of Parks and Recreation, in partnership with the Gateway Family YMCA. This initiative was designed to cater to two age groups: 3-5 years old and 6-12 years old. It is highly encouraged that residents sign up as soon as possible, as spaces are limited with 78 available spots.
Children/participants must reside in low-income households, they must check off one of the qualifying criteria and provide proof with their enrollment: QCT, TANF, SNAP, NSLP, SBP, Medicare Part D, SSI, Head Start and Early Head Start, Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women (WIC), Section 8 Housing, LIHEAP, and Pell Grants.
The swim program will be conducted at two convenient locations:
For more details about the application, including income requirements or to register, please visit www.ucnj.org, or contact Angelica Cedeno at 908-558-2279 or via email at acedeno@ucnj.org.
The County of Union is partnering with local community groups to host a Union County Veteran Suicide Awareness Seminar on Thursday, October 26th to learn about community resources available to our veterans in crisis with presentations by community leaders and the Department of Veteran Affairs Suicide Community Engagement Team.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners would like toannounce the award recipients for the Union County On Stage! School & Community Grant, as part of Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados’ 2023 Theater Initiative, through his Chairman’s theme of “Building a Stronger Union County,” which aims to support students and educators across Union County in providing arts-based education and enjoyment.
“This Theater initiative stems from the recognition that arts funding is often among the first programs to face budget cuts and I wanted to support and promote arts funding for schools and organizations, highlighting our local talent,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “Your dedication to the arts and commitment to enriching our community through creative expression are truly commendable. I am confident that each of you will demonstrate exceptional talent and passion, and I have no doubt that your projects will inspire and uplift Union County. Congratulations to all the recipients, and thank you for contributing to the cultural vibrancy of our county.”
This initiative, aimed at providing significant support to performing arts programs throughout Union County, was open to all Union County high schools and tax-exempt nonprofit organizations, and signifies an important investment in local arts.
The Union County On Stage! Grant Program included two types of grants, totaling $53,875.00: a school grant, where all Union County high schools were eligible to apply with the total amount of $29,775.00. Next was a community grant, which was open to local non-profit organizations in Union County with a tax-exempt status with a total amount of $24,100.00.
Union County On Stage! School Grant
Berkeley Heights, Governor Livingston High School $2,000.00
Clark, Mother Seton Regional High School $2,000.00
Cranford, Cranford High School $1,775.00
Elizabeth, Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy $2,000.00
Kenilworth, David Brearley High School $2,500.00
New Providence, New Providence High School $1,500.00
Rahway, Rahway High School $2,500.00
Roselle, Abraham Clark High School $2,500.00
Scotch Plains, Academy of Performing Arts $2,500.00
Scotch Plains, Scotch Plains-Fanwood High Schools $2,000.00
Scotch Plains, Union Catholic High School $2,500.00
Summit, Summit High School $1,500.00
Springfield, Jonathan Dayton High School $2,000.00
Union, Union High School $2,500.00
Union County On Stage! Community Grant
Elizabeth, United Way of Greater Union County $2,000.00
Elizabeth, Trinitas $2,000.00
Elizabeth, Jewish Family Services $1,100.00
Plainfield, Neighborhood House Association $2,000.00
Plainfield, Catalyst Theater Company Productions $2,000.00
Plainfield, Queen City Film & Television Workshop $1,500.00
Rahway, UCPAC $2,000.00
Roselle, Elizabeth Youth Theater Ensemble $1,500.00
Roselle, Boxwood Learning Center $2,000.00
Summit, Stony Hills Players Theater $2,000.00
Summit, Vivid Stage $2,000.00
Union, Nanababies $2,000.00
Union, Premier Stages at Kean University $2,000.00
All applicants were to be based in Union County and the programming that would be covered by the grant must take place in Union County during Fall/Early Winter of 2023.
For additional information, please contact Angelica Cedeno at 908-558-2279 or email at acedeno@ucnj.org.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners stands in solidarity with the nation of Israel, denouncing the recent attacks by the Hamas terrorist organization. These distressing events highlight the urgent need for lasting solutions that ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals, regardless of their background.
While Union County currently faces no immediate threats, the Union County Board of County Commissioners, Union County Sheriff Peter Corvelli, in collaboration with community members of faith, are taking a proactive approach and have collaborated to enhance security around houses of worship in response to the ongoing events in the Middle East.
“Our commitment to creating an inclusive and unified community remains firm during these turbulent times,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “Our number one priority is the safety of our residents and we remain dedicated to providing a secure and welcoming environment for all community members. We pray for a swift and equitable resolution to the conflict, one that brings enduring peace and stability to the region, benefiting both Israelis and Palestinians.”
“A dedicated team of officers will be offering additional security for houses of worship throughout Union County as an extra sense of peace for those who gather to worship, ensuring that they can do so without fear,” said Sheriff Peter Corvelli. “As the Sheriff of Union County, it is my duty to safeguard all of our residents, and this added layer of protection emphasizes our promise to that mission.”
The Union County Board of County Commissioners continue to share their thoughts and prayers to the people in the regions of both Israelis and Palestinians, as well as to all the victims and their families during this devastating time.
“Two Wise Men,” by Mountainside resident Lenny McDonald, was awarded First Place for Digital Art by a Professional artist in the 2023 New Jersey Senior Art Show.“Scrap Metal Duck,” by Union resident Luciano Felicio, was awarded First Place for Sculpture by a Non-professionalartist in the 2023 New Jersey Senior Art Show
The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to announce that 12 Union County artists have been selected as award-winners in the 57th annual New Jersey Senior Citizens Art Show. The exhibit includes original works of art created by both professional and non-professional artists, ages 60 and up, from all 21 counties across the state. Every artwork in the statewide exhibit was first entered in the juried exhibit within the artist’s home county, and received a First-Place award in their media category.
“This year’s show is nothing short of spectacular,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “It’s inspiring to see Union County seniors receive recognition in this competitive state-wide show. We are proud that there are so many talented artists in Union County.”
Of 19 artworks by Union County seniors that advanced to the state show, those awarded at the state level are:
Luciano Felicio (Union) — 1st Place, Sculpture by a Non-Professional artist, for the artwork, “Scrap Metal Duck”
Lenny McDonald (Mountainside) — 1st Place, Digital Art by a Professional artist, for the artwork, “Two Wise Men”
William Gardner (Winfield) — 2nd Place, Digital Art by a Non-Professional artist, for the artwork, “Shattered”
Elizabeth Gillin (Westfield) — 2nd Place, Oil Painting by a Professional artist, for the artwork, “Costumes of East Asia”
Marianne Jennings (Mountainside) — 2nd Place, Craft by a Professional artist, for the artwork, “Forged and Flower Necklace”
Lydia Watson (Plainfield) — 2nd Place, Works on Paper by a Professional artist, for the artwork, “Solitaire, My Friend”
James Chelland (Cranford) — 3rd Place, Photography by a Non-Professional artist, for the artwork, “Mist on the Lake”
Karen Freudenberger (Berkeley Heights) — Honorable Mention, Oil Painting by a Non-Professional artist, for the artwork, “Glorious Sunflowers”
Diane Gallo (Summit) — Honorable Mention, Pastels by a Professional artist, for the artwork, “Red is a Lovely Color”
Anne Occi (Cranford) — Honorable Mention, Watercolor Painting by a Professional artist, for the artwork, “Pretty in Pink”
Peter Pagano (Clark) — Honorable Mention, Craft by a Non-Professional artist, for the artwork, “Segmented Wooden Vase”
Jeff Parsons (Cranford) — Honorable Mention, Watercolor Painting by a Non-Professional artist, for the artwork, “Lunch Break – Chrysemys Picta”
The 2023 New Jersey Senior Art Show can be viewed online at www.njseniorarts.com/gallery/. To see the show in person, visit the main building of Meadow Lakes Senior Living, 300 Meadow Lakes, in East Windsor. The public can view the artworks now through October 26 (Monday through Saturday, 10:00A.M. – 4:00P.M.).
Groups of six or more should contact Meadow Lakes in advance by calling 609-448-4100. Driving directions can be found on the Meadow Lakes website at https://meadowlakesonline.org/.
The New Jersey Senior Citizens Art Show Honors the imagination, skills, and artistic ability of the state’s oldest artists. It is a co-sponsored project of Mercer County’s Division of Culture and Heritage and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. For more information about the New Jersey Senior Citizen Art Show, visit https://njseniorarts.com.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners are happy to announce that 18 towns in Union County have been the recipient of multiple grants that seek to improve the lives and environment of county citizens. The Preserve Union County Grant has granted Union County $300,000 in funding, the Kids Recreation Trust Fund has granted Union County $1 million dollars in funding, and the Greening Union County program has granted Union County $100,000 in funding.
“These grants play a crucial role in enhancing the overall quality of life in Union County,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “When the Trust Fund was created over twenty years ago, our county residents made it clear they wanted to see Union County conserve open space, provide more recreational opportunities, and preserve historic sites. The Board of Commissioners takes great pride in its ongoing administration of the Trust Fund to accomplish these goals.”
Funded through the Union County Open Space, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Trust Fund, this money is awarded to Union County towns on a matching grant basis. The mission of the Open Space Trust Fund is to assist in the execution of policy made by the Union County Board of County Commissioners to conserve open space, provide recreational opportunities, and to preserve historic sites.
“We are thrilled to announce another round of grants for 2023 from the Open Space, Recreation & Historic Preservation Trust Fund,” said Trust Fund Chair Commissioner Lourdes Leon. “Our county residents are enjoying the improvements in all aspects of their lives due to these grants. Their playgrounds are better designed for all children, including those with special needs. Our parks and city streets receive more trees, and our beautiful historic buildings are better preserved, so that we can share our Union County history with many generations to come.”
Eighteen municipalities received funding from the Kids Recreation Trust Fund:
Berkeley Heights – $30,300.00. Implement a new foundation system at the lower pickleball and tennis courts at Columbia Park.
Clark – $24,072.00. Install new playground equipment at Veteran’s Field.
Cranford – $60,000.00. Install air conditioning at the new Recreation Center located at 375 Centennial Avenue.
Elizabeth – $170,000.00. Replace the existing gymnasium floors at the Erxleben Recreation Center as well as revitalize the Lynch Memorial Playground through the incorporation of a new spray park and new playground equipment.
Fanwood – $40,000.00. Install a new gazebo at Forest Road Park.
Kenilworth – $50,000.00. Improvements to DiMario Park, Ninth Street Park, and Sixteenth Street Park.
Linden – $60,000.00. Replace and upgrade playgrounds that have been identified by a Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) as being in the most immediate need for replacing in the City’s master plan.
Mountainside – $40,000.00. Upgrade Deerfield School: Replace the lights at the tennis and pickleball courts, upgrade the sod and sprinkler system at the softball and baseball fields, install water fountains, add safety netting at the fields, and repair the siding and second floor of the announcing area at the Snack Shack.
New Providence – $50,000.00. New stand-alone pickleball courts adjacent to the existing tennis courts (court surface and lines, fencing, nets, and benches). Additionally, the funds may be used to line one of the current tennis courts to create four additional pickleball courts (including lines, nets, fencing).
Plainfield – $55,630.00. Resurfacing of the basketball courts at Seidler Field and the removal of an existing fence and the reparation of a concrete ledge near the basketball court.
Rahway – $65,000.00. Reconstruct and rehabilitate the playground structure located at Berzinec Park making it ADA accessible.
Roselle – $50,000.00. Renovate and undertake repairs at Pine Street Park and Chandler Park.
Roselle Park – $50,000.00. Renovate Acker Park and install ADA features at the playground area.
Scotch Plains – $60,000.00. Resurface the basketball courts at Kramer Manor Park.
Springfield – $40,000.00. Renovate the Tennis Court overlay new pickleball lines at Henshaw Park.
Summit – $40,000.00. Resurface and make improvements to the basketball courts at Mabie Playground.
Union – $65,000.00. Upgrade Alpine Park with ADA playground equipment and to do resurfacing.
Westfield – $50,000.00. Upgrade and renovate the playground at Memorial Park as an ADA and inclusive playground.
Fifteen municipalities were awarded grants for planting trees under the Greening Union County program:
Berkeley Heights – $4,000.00 (10 trees)
Clark – $6,300.00 (25 trees)
Cranford– $5,000.00 (30 trees)
Elizabeth – $23,000.00 (150 trees)
Fanwood – $2,200.00 (10 trees)
Garwood – $8,000.00 (20 trees)
Kenilworth – $2,000.00 (20 trees)
NewProvidence – $2,500.00 (12 trees)
Plainfield – $10,000.00 (60 trees)
Rahway – $6,000.00 (35 trees)
Roselle – $5,000.00 (70 trees)
ScotchPlains – $5,000.00 (50 trees)
Springfield – $7,287.00 (40 trees)
Union – $3,713.00 (11 trees)
Westfield – $10,000.00 (65 trees)
Seven municipalities received funding from the Preserve Union County Grant:
Berkeley Heights – Littell-Lord Farmstead – $40,000.00. Stabilize the foundation and ensure that necessary archaeological work will be completed in accordance with the procedures and standards of the NJHPO. There will be upgrades at foundations; first and second floor framing, stabilization of the interior stairs and sagging flooring, and stabilization of any additional flooring and ceilings needed to allow public entry.
Fanwood – Fanwood Carriage House – $40,000.00. Repair and replace the cedar roof, refinish the floor, and paint the building.
Kenilworth – Nitschke House – $11,500.00. Restore the doors, door frames, window frames, window sills and base molding in five second-floor rooms at the Nitschke House using the same multi-phase “faux-graining” technique as was used on the first floor.
Plainfield – Plainfield Masonic Temple – $40,000.00. Prepare the design and contract documents for the exterior restoration and interior restoration and rehabilitation of the Plainfield Masonic Lodge. The focus of the restoration and rehabilitation work will be to restore exterior masonry, windows, doors, and at the interior to repair and restore interior spaces within the public areas of the lodge including the Lounge/Dining Room, repair and adding restrooms per code and to improve accessibility, and at the upper levels to upgrade the existing elevator, provide a barrier-free entrance, restore the Theatre/Ballroom including finishes, lighting, etc., and restore office space
Plainfield – Plainfield YMCA Building – $40,000.00. Restore the building’s façade, removal and replacement of masonry, bricks, wood cornices and dried out mortar joints.
Rahway – Merchant and Drovers Tavern – $40,000.00. Repair thirteen wood windows located in the building’s North elevation and its one-and-one-half story attached kitchen wing.
Scotch Plains – Fanwood-Scotch Plains Rotary Frazee House Inc – $40,000.00. Install new utilities at the site, including electric, heat, and water, as well as ADA compliant facilities.
Scotch Plains – The Shady Rest Golf & Country Club – $40,000.00. Repair and restore the Shady Rest Country Club, including the clapboards, corner boards in the building, double hung wood windows, railings, and the replacement of the doors.
Township of Union/Kean University – Liberty Hall Museum – $16,850.00. Replace the Cedar Shake Roof and the copper gutters attached to section of the roof.
For more information on the Open Space Trust Fund or the Department of Parks and Recreation, please visit www.ucnj.org or contact Angelica Cedeno at 908-558-2279 or via email at acedeno@ucnj.org.
