ELIZABETH, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders announces that 46 artists, historians and local non-profit organizations will receive funding through the 2014 Union County HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant Program.

Recognizing the importance of culture and the arts to our economy and quality of life, the Union County Freeholders established the HEART Grant Program in 1998. This innovative program supports projects related to history, the arts and humanities, and it demonstrates a commitment to the artists and community organizations of Union County. Total funding for this year’s grants is $75,000.

“The recipients of HEART Grants are a wonderful mix of creative individuals – composers and writers, historians, visual artists, musicians and dancers – plus arts, history and other cultural organizations and civic groups,” said Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak. “The response to the program has been exciting ever since its inception.”

“The services provided by these artists, scholars and organizations directly benefit the residents of our county and increase appreciation for the arts, our history, and the humanities,” Freeholder Hudak added. “These cultural assets are a vital part of community life, well being, economic development and cultural heritage tourism in Union County.”

Artists, educators, civic and historical non-profit organizations that want information about next year’s HEART Grant Program can contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202. Telephone: (908) 558-2550. NJ Relay users dial 711, or send E-mail:culturalinfo@ucnj.org

Union County HEART Grants Awarded 2014 (Total $75,000)

• Brian Beste, Fanwood, $1,000, presenting art and photography workshops;
• Candace Waller, Fanwood, $950, providing free dance classes;
• Danielle Linares Hale, Fanwood, $1,000, presenting a community arts festival;
• Kenneth Sack, Summit, $800, providing an arts-in-education program for Summit;
• Paula Borenstein, Elizabeth, $800, providing art workshops;
• Raymond W. Blanks, Rahway, $700, providing photography classes for Rahway youth;
• Valerie Graham, Roselle, $945, presenting free crafts workshops for children and seniors;
• Arts Guild New Jersey, Rahway, $2,000, presenting arts education for children and teens;
• Borough of Fanwood, $2,000, presenting a Fanwood Cultural Arts Performance Series;
• Borough of Roselle Park, Casano Community Center, $1,000, presenting a free concert;
• Brand New Day, Elizabeth, $2,000, presenting traditional Caribbean music and dance workshops;
• Carolyn Dorfman Dance Company, Union, $1,600, presenting a performance with UCAPA at the Vo-Tech black box theater;
• CASA of Union County, Elizabeth, $2,500, presenting arts workshops for child advocates;
• Central Presbyterian Church, Summit, $1,585, providing classical music performances;
• Cranford Housing Board, Cranford, $1,000, presenting “Three Po’ Tenors” concert for senior housing residents;
• duCret School of Art, Plainfield, $500, presenting a performing arts program for children grades K-12;
• Dreamcatcher Repertory Theatre, Summit, $1,600, producing outreach theater program for Seniors;
• Elizabeth Avenue Partnership, Elizabeth, $1,500, presenting a Hispanic Heritage Month concert;
• Groundwork Elizabeth, Inc., Elizabeth, $2,000, presenting 12^th Annual Tour de Elizabeth bicycle tour;
• Institute of Music for Children, Elizabeth, $2,500, providing arts and culture classes to young children;
• Josephine’s Place, Elizabeth, $2,500, presenting poetry and music recording workshops for immigrant women;
• Kenilworth Historical Society, Kenilworth, $1,900, preparations for interpretive tour manual;
• Language & Enrichment Center, Scotch Plains, $1,000, presenting performances by preschool children of Italian winter songs;
• Mother Seton Regional High School, Clark, $1,500, providing musical programs for children;
• Music for All Seasons, Scotch Plains, $2,500, presenting music programs for U.C. Juvenile Detention Center;
• Musical Club of Westfield, Scotch Plains, $1,100, presenting an original composition in concert;
• National Council of Jewish Women, U.C. Section, Elizabeth, $2,100, providing two intergenerational programs: a big band swing dance and a jazz trio;
• New Jersey Festival Orchestra, Westfield, $1,800, presenting live concert “Home for the Holidays”;
• New Jersey Intergenerational Orchestra, Berkeley Heights, $2,100, presenting a community concert;
• Occupational Center of U.C., Roselle, $2,200, presenting art education classes for people with disabilities;
• Overlook Hospital Foundation, Summit, $2,000, presenting therapeutic singing group for people with Parkinson’s disease;
• Plainfield Division of Parks and Recreation, $1,800, presenting a historical Kwanza celebration with speakers, music and dance;
• Premiere Stages at Kean University, Union, $2,100, presenting a play, “At Liberty Hall”;
• Rahway Community Action Organization, Rahway, $1,000, presenting African American history program;
• SAGE Eldercare, Inc., Summit, $2,000, presenting free musical performances to older adults;
• Temple Beth O’r/Beth Torah, Clark, $1,200, presenting a free history of Jewish humor program;
• The Links Foundation, Plainfield, $1,500, presenting a free community concert;
• The Theater Project, Union, $2,000, presenting four plays in Union;
• Union County Performing Arts Center, Rahway,$950, presenting two music education workshops for children;
• Union Township Community Action Organization, Inc., Union, $2,000, presenting Senior Choral performances in nursing homes;
• Union Township Historical Society, Union, $1,320, presenting a reenactment of the Battle of Connecticut Farms;
• United Youth of NJ, Elizabeth, $2,500, presenting a play about Nelson Mandela and Apartheid;
• Visual Arts Center of NJ, Summit, $2,300, presenting a visual arts program for older adults;
• Westfield Neighborhood Council, Westfield, $1,000, presenting dance workshops;
• Women in Conversation, Plainfield, $2,500, presenting reading groups for students and seniors;
• YM-YWHA of Union County, Union, $2,150, presenting a Jewish Fair and Arts Festival.

CLARK, NJ –The Union County Summer Arts Festival concert series concludes its 54^th season of music on Wednesday evening, August 27, with a performance by The Nerds.  The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites the public to attend this free concert that begins at 7:30 p.m. in Oak Ridge Park, located in Clark, New Jersey.

Sometimes called New Jersey’s hardest working, hardest rocking party band, The Nerds perform a blend of soul, classic rock and TV theme music.  The band is loosely based on an old skit from Saturday Night Live and have been performing together for over 20 years.

“This will be the final opportunity for residents to come out and enjoy the musical entertainment under the stars at Oak Ridge Park in Clark,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak. “Bring your blanket or lawn chair and arrive early to get the best view of our outstanding musical entertainment.”

In addition to the great music, residents are invited to come out early and participate in

Union County’s Summer of Fitness, part of Chairman Hudak’s Union County Get Fit initiative. Free community yoga classes will be held prior to the musical entertainment, beginning at 6:30. This week’s class will be conducted by Alluem Yoga of Cranford, New Jersey.

For more information, call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-527-4900 or visit the Union County website:  www.ucnj.org/summer. For program and rain information call 908-558-4079 after 3:00 p.m. on the day of the show.

Union County, NJ – Do you have a green thumb and are you interested in learning more useful gardening skills? The Rutgers Cooperative Extension is once again offering master gardeners classes for Union County residents this fall – registration deadline is August 30, 2014.

In this program, residents receive in-depth and hands-on-training in horticulture from Rutgers, The State University faculty and professional staff.

“The Master Gardeners program offers a fun and exciting experience to learn useful gardening skills,” said Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak. “If you are looking for expert guidance on community, school, and home gardening, I encourage you to consider participating in the Master Gardeners program.”

In exchange for the training, applicants agree to make a commitment to provide 60 hours of volunteer service working in their community in one of the many approved volunteer gardening committees within a 12—18 month period. Successful graduates become Certified Rutgers Master Gardeners upon completion of their volunteer commitment.

Union County residents with an interest in gardening and commitment to volunteer service can become a Master Gardener. No previous education or training in horticulture is required. Since 1988, when it graduated its first class, Union County’s Master Gardener Program has trained hundreds of men and women through a diverse curriculum including basic botany, entomology, flower gardening, vegetable gardening, wildlife management, and more.

Union County residents can access the application by visiting https://ucnj.org/rce/. All applications for the program are due to the Extension Office by August 30, 2014. For more information contact the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County at 908-654-9854.

Union County Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak and the entire Freeholder Board present Union County Undersheriff Vincent Detrolio with a resolution thanking him for his 36 years of dedicated service to the County of Union and wish him well on his retirement

Union County, NJ – On Friday, August 15th, Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak announced the official launch of the free Wi-Fi network, and hosted a demonstration of the technology upgrades at Union County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center.

The installation and activation of the Wi-Fi network at Trailside marks the completion of the Freeholder Chairman’s free Wi-Fi initiative for 2014.

“Now, residents can have access to email, social media, and browse the internet while at six Union County facilities: Fraser Building in Westfield, Warinanco Park Skating Rink in Roselle, Wheeler Pool in Linden, Ulrich Pool in Rahway, Nomahegan Park in Cranford, and Trailside Nature Science Center in Mountainside,” said Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak. “The free Wi-Fi at Trailside is especially exciting because it opens up new opportunities to learn about the exhibits and participate in activities.”

To help demonstrate the range and versatility of the Wi-Fi network, 1st and 2nd grade Trailside campers participated in an interactive scavenger hunt throughout the center using the free Wi-Fi network to access video clues by scanning QR codes with an iPad.

The Wi-Fi initiative also brings added technology upgrades for Trailside. This facility is now equipped with SMART Boards in four of its classrooms. “The touch screen white boards will help expand the way visitors and campers experience the Nature and Science Center,” said Chairman Hudak.

Included in the technology upgrades at Trailside is the installation of 5 smart TVs located throughout the facility. In addition to the traditional functions of a TV, these flat screen televisions have internet access built in allowing them to access a range of online services with more computing ability and connectivity.

“Combined, the entire technology upgrade is a step toward ensuring that our county recreation facilities are up to date and welcoming to a broad spectrum of activities,” said Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak.

[contact:  Carlos Rojas, 732-372-1487, carlos@piconj.org]

The county joins a growing number of jurisdictions that have chosen to limit cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration enforcement, in an effort to protect families from deportation and restore the immigrant community’s trust in local police.

Elizabeth, NJ – Everyday immigrant families across the country live in fear of detention and deportation because of our immigration system.  In the face of congressional inaction, counties across the country are responding to senseless family separations by issuing policies that prevent families from being funneled into detention and promote trust between immigrant communities and police departments.

Union County is leading the way forward in New Jersey by refusing to honor requests from federal immigration enforcement to detain people who are suspected of being undocumented, unless a proper warrant or court order has been issued. “Our research, which included Third Circuit Court of Appeals decisions, concluded that it violates the rights of these people to detain them,” said Freeholder Vice Chairman Mohamed S. Jalloh, who led the County effort to enact the policy change earlier this month.

Faith communities, immigrant rights organizations and the community at large applaud the Union County Freeholders’ decision to protect the rights of immigrant families residents of Union County.

“The Union County Freeholders have acted with good faith and justice towards the immigrant community,” said Pastor Ramon Collazo from St. Elizabeth’s Lutheran Church in Elizabeth. “As people of faith we are grounded in the call to welcome the stranger (Matthew 25:35) along with the commitment to justice that advocates for fair and generous laws.”  Pastor Collazo is one hundreds of faith leaders working with Faith in New Jersey (formerly PICO NJ), a statewide network of faith communities working together to expand and protect the rights of immigrant communities.

“We applaud Union County officials for recognizing the critical importance of fostering trust between immigrant communities and local law enforcement,” said Ari Rosmarin, Public Policy Director of the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey. “The county has taken a bold stance for immigrant communities and discontinued a practice that seriously undermined public safety, posed significant constitutional concerns, and exposed the county to significant liability. We hope and expect other New Jersey counties will follow Union’s lead in adopting similar policies.”

What:  Press Conference highlighting the Anti-Detainer Policy Change in Union County

Who:  Union County Freeholders, Immigrant Families, Faith and Social Justice Organizations

Where: Union County Administration Building – 6th Floor – Freeholder Meeting Room 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth, NJ 07207

When:   Wednesday, August 20th, 2014 – Press Conference Starts at 1 pm

7 NJ Playgrounds Worth Traveling To

Bored with your local swingset? Here are a few amazing New Jersey playgrounds worth driving to.

BY VICKY VALET

 

Published: 2014.08.03 05:00 AM

If you’ve been to your neighborhood playground so many times that the monkey bars have lost their thrill, it’s time for a change. Next time your kids are in the mood for some swinging and sliding, pile everyone in the car and head to one of these amazing playgrounds—they’re worth the trip!

Esposito Park
Near 659 Madison Hill Rd., Clark
This fenced-in playground has a spongy, less-likely-your-kid-will-get-hurt ground, and is also right next to tennis courts, a huge rock climbing wall and (don’t forget the helmets) a great skating area with lots of ramps. If skating isn’t for your family, take a stroll on the half-mile walking path around the freshwater wetland.

Roxbury Imagination Station
78 Eyland Ave., Succasunna

This spot’s rocketship and sea vessel will definitely be a hit with your astronaut-in-training or pirate-to-be, but it’s the beautiful murals and painted peekholes that really set this fenced-in playground apart from the rest!

Kidstreet
Claude Dr. near Municipal Complex, Bridgewater 
Kids of all ages will have a blast climbing play equipment, digging in sandboxes and dangling from rope swings and zip lines at this one-of-a-kind playground. Watch from the picnic tables as they play “King of the Jungle” on the swings or sail the seven seas on the big wooden ship.

Ross Dock at Fort Lee
Henry Hudson Dr., Palisades Interstate Park System 
While your kids are busy climbing tall towers and scooting down slides, you’ll be amazed by the incredible view! This Palisades Interstate Park playground sits right next to the Hudson River, just a short ride from the George Washington Bridge. (Travel tip: There’s a super scenic spot filled with urban art right under the bridge, so if you drive through on your way to the park, don’t forget the camera!)

Community Playground of Montville
127 Changebridge Rd.,Montville
As if the six football/soccer fields, baseball field, basketball court, picnic areas, amphitheater for concerts and movies, field house for parties and community garden plots weren’t enough, this spot’s also home to a giant, farm-themed playground where your kids can play “farmer” all day long.

Thompson Park
Perrineville Rd., Jamesburg
Thompson park has all the playground staples, but it’s also home to a mini zoo! Stop by the fenced-in wildlife area to visit the deer and feed the ducks. (Note: NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife strongly discourages feeding wild deer.)

Regatta Playground
Cherry Ln., West Orange
Not only is this playground totally new, but it’s got a completely adorable nautical theme, too! Located adjacent to the paddle boat and picnic areas of the South Mountain Recreation Complex, this spot has 24 pieces of play equipment—including a ship mast your little sailors can climb—plus a rubberized safety surface.

Which playgrounds do you love? Let us know of any great ones we might have missed!

[via njfamily.com]

 

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that a grant of $275,000 has been awarded toward the restoration of Briant Park in Summit and Springfield. The grant, from the Union County Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund, will match a state Green Acres grant received by the Briant Park Olmsted Conservancy.

“The Freeholder Board is very proud to engage in this unique civic partnership with The Briant Park Olmsted Conservancy, which has worked diligently to help restore a treasured public resource for all Union County residents,” said Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak.

The Union County parks system includes 36 parks totaling more than 6,700 acres. Briant Park is 51 acres.

“Briant Park is relatively small, but it occupies a key place in the history of our system as an Olmsted Park and one of the original parts of the system,” said Freeholder Bruce Bergen, Chairman of the Union County Open Space Trust Fund. “These improvements are consistent with its historic nature.”

Union County was among the very first counties in the U.S. to preserve land for public recreation, and Briant Park was designed in the 1930’s by the Olmsted brothers, sons of the renowned landscape architect who designed Central Park in New York, Frederick Olmsted.

Like other original Union County parks, Briant Park shares the historic Olmsted legacy of serene natural settings in the midst of a developed urban area.

Briant Park features a paved walking path with fitness stations. The path meanders through large grassy fields and towering trees, and around a generously proportioned pond.

In addition to the walking path, activities in the park include fishing and a tree-shaded picnic area with grills. In past years, when colder winters were the norm, local residents also used the pond for ice skating. Sledding is still a favorite winter activity on the park’s gentle western slope.

The new improvements will include a gazebo to provide a sheltered seating area, and a new nature trail. The new trail will be laid with wood chips to complement the natural feel of the park environment.

Other improvements include new plantings and soil restoration, pruning and removal of dead trees, new benches including wheelchair access to seating areas, period sign posts, restoration of a retaining wall on the west slope, and aesthetic improvements to an existing footbridge.

Earlier this year, the Briant Park Olmsted Conservancy (BPOC), an independent non-profit organization, secured a grant from the State of New Jersey Open Space/Green Acres Program in the amount of $275,000 towards rehabilitation of the park. With the matching Trust Fund grant approved by the Freeholder Board, the total of available funding will be $550,000.

Rich Picerno Builders, LLC of Kenilworth has been awarded a contract for the Briant Park improvements in the amount of $308, 294.00. Additional engineering costs will be determined pending the results of the bidding process for that aspect of the project.

The Union County Open Space, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Trust Fund was established by popular referendum in 2000 with overwhelming support from Union County voters.

Since its inception, the Trust Fund has enabled Union County to restore and improve services at County parks, contribute to local preservation and recreation efforts, and add hundreds of acres of preserved open space to County parklands including brownfields reclaimed for public recreation.

For information on all Union County parks and recreation activities, visit ucnj.org/parks.

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Please join the County of Union online at ucnj.org, on Facebook at ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter attwitter.com/countyofunionnj.

As they hammered away, repairing the gaping hole created when a falling tree ripped through the roof, the three carpenters knew this was not just any other home repair.

On the floors below were murals painted by celebrated Nicaraguan/Mexican artist Robert de la Selva, a student of the Mexican artist Diego Rivera. And the murals, painted by de la Selva during a summer stay in the 1920s, had to be protected before rain did any further damage.

Just as this was not just simply any other house, these were not just any carpenters.  The three– John Deleski Jr. of Metuchen, Todd Bariso of Butler and Salvador E. Ramos of North Plainfield– are all instructors with the New Jersey Carpenters Apprentice Training and Educational Fund who volunteered their time this summer to fix the roof.

They worked on the house for several days, following up on initial repairs made in the spring as part of the program’s training for apprentices in the union’s educational program.

“We appreciate all the time and effort put in by the many volunteers here at the Deserted Village,” said Union County Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski.

“Many of our treasured historic buildings would be lost for future generations to enjoy if not for the individuals and organizations who give of their time to help out,” Kowalski said.

“The carpenters really came through for us on this project and their work is deeply appreciated,” said Freeholder Chairman Chris Hudak.

“Stabilizing and rehabilitating The Deserted Village is a major challenge, both in the work that is required and the funding that will be needed for the restoration work,” Hudak said.  “But it is an irreplaceable historic site in our County and we will work to see that the Deserted Village remains a place for future generations to visit and learn about our past.”

While the carpenters addressed some of the needed emergency repairs, the County is looking for funding to restore House No. 7, following the restorations of Masker’s Barn and the Church/General Store.

Last year, Preservation New Jersey cited the home as one of the top 10 most endangered historic sites in the state.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the New Jersey Historic Trust, the Union County Open Space, Recreation & Historic Preservation Trust Fund; and other contributors help the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation maintain the Deserted Village of Feltville/Glenside Park and all its history.

The Visitor Center in the Church/Store Building at the Deserted Village is open weekends to the public, featuring exhibits of artifacts, photographs, maps and paintings explaining the history of the Deserted Village of Feltville since the settlement of the area in 1736. The Visitor Center will be open on Saturdays and Sundays and holidays, year-round, from noon until 5:00 pm each day.

The Deserted Village is located within the 2,142 acre Watchung Reservation, the largest of 36 parks in the Union County Park System. The site is listed on both the State and National Registers of Historic Places.

To learn more about the Deserted Village please visit ucnj.org/dv.  For more on programs in the County parks and facilities, go towww.ucnj.org/fun

Photo 1: John Deleski Jr. (center), Todd Bariso (right), and Salvador E. Ramos (back row) join Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski (left) 

Photo 2: Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski (purple shirt) watches work on building 7 by carpenters. 

Photo 3: Portion of the de la Selva murals.

Union County, NJ  – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce completion of the Strategic Recovery Planning Report, part of Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak’s “Union County 2030” planning initiative. The report is provides an overview of the steps needed to prepare for and mitigate the impact of severe storms such as Superstorm Sandy.

“The adage ‘if we fail to plan, we plan to fail’ is especially relevant given that destructive events like Superstorm Sandy are becoming the norm,” said Hudak. “Union County needs a blueprint for the future to compete in the global economy, and part of that involves updating our infrastructure and emergency response capabilities to face the challenges posed by climate change.”

Union County 2030 is a planning initiative that focuses on the long-term creation of jobs, sustainable development, transportation, and economic competitiveness issues.

As part of Union County’s post-Sandy planning efforts, the Strategic Recovery Planning Report was produced through a state Department of Community Affairs grant with monies obtained from federal Sandy recovery funds. The actions outlined in the report will enable Union County to secure additional funding for specific long range planning goals.

The Strategic Recovery Planning Report will serve as a blueprint to reduce Union County’s vulnerability to destructive storms while promoting balanced economic growth.

As provided for by the state Department of Community Affairs, the report focuses on “community livability” principles including affordable housing, economic competitiveness, support for existing communities, and coordination with federal policies and funding.

The report identifies a number of areas that are candidates for additional state funding for planning purposes:

• Evacuating or providing aid to vulnerable neighborhoods and populations.
• Provide recommendations to urban coastal towns about resilient land uses and land use planning practices.
• Analyze the Raritan Valley stream corridor to provide recommendations based on existing best practices.
• Improve the system for documenting work done during an emergency.
• Develop a virtual “emergency operation center” with full communication to all County and municipal personnel.

The report was prepared for Union County by T&M Associates of Middletown, NJ. To view the report or download a free copy, https://ucnj.org/government/public-notice/