Category: Public Info

Union County – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Union County Performing Arts Center are proud to present RENT the musical that changed Broadway forever. Produced by Mystic Vision Players, at the Main Stage at UCPAC, performances are limited to two weekends, November 7th and 8th, 14th and 15th.

“The Freeholder Board is proud to be able to support the arts through the use of the Performing Arts Center,” said Freeholder Vice-Chairman Mohamed Jalloh, “Not only is this opportunity a solidifying partnership with UCPAC, but it is an endeavor that we believe has the potential to catalyze economic vitality in the City of Rahway and the County at large.”

Set in the East Village of New York City, RENT is about falling in love, finding your voice and living for today. Winner of the TONY Award for Best Musical and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Rent has become a pop cultural phenomenon with songs that rock and a story that resonates with audiences of all ages.

Based loosely on Puccini’s La Boheme, Jonathan Larson’s RENT follows a year in the life of a group of impoverished young artists and musicians struggling to survive and create in New York’s Lower East Side, under the shadow of HIV/AIDS.

Tickets are on sale today for this exclusive Union County production. To purchase, visithttp://ucpac.org, or contact the Union County Performing Arts Center’s box office at 732-499-8662.

This program is being sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders in connection with the Union County Performing Arts Center. Performances are produced by Mystic Vision Players with direction by Howard Whitmore, choreography by Melanie Jefferson and musical direction by David Maglione.

Mystic Vision Players is a non-profit theatre company based in Linden, NJ dedicated to the growth and showcasing of all types of performing arts. In 1995, MVP became the resident theatre company of the Linden Cultural & Heritage Committee and has consistently received critical & audience acclaim and nominations as “Outstanding” in areas of Choreography, Acting, Music, and Overall Productions by the NJ Association of Community Theaters.

For additional information on this program, please contact Danni Newbury, Union County Office of Public Information, 908-527-4742.

Union county, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders advises residents to prepare for the 2014 – 2015 flu season by getting vaccinated against the flu. In addition to many pharmacies and medical offices, public flu clinics are making flu shots available now.

“Please avail yourself of the resources at hand, to protect yourself and help prevent flu outbreaks from spreading,” said Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak. “If you get your shot now, it will protect you throughout the flu season.”

At public flu clinics, the flu vaccine is affordably priced and may be free for eligible residents in some circumstances. Residents are advised to call ahead for information on fees, and to confirm availability, before visiting a public flu clinic.

The following health departments have announced public flu clinics for September and October in Union County:

• Kenilworth (via Union Township Health Department, (908-851-8507)
• Plainfield (908-753-3092)
• Roselle (908-259-3032 or 908-259-3039)
• Springfield (via Madison Health Department (973-593-3079, ext. 9)
• Union (908-851-8507)

A complete schedule of public flu clinics in Union County, including locations and contact information, is available online at the County website, ucnj.org.

The Centers for Disease Control recommends the flu vaccine for everyone over the age of six months, especially for persons aged 65 years and older regardless of whether or not they have chronic health conditions.

Other persons specially recommended for flu shots are residents of long-term care facilities, persons aged 2–64 years who have chronic health conditions, children aged six months or older who attend licensed child care centers or preschool activities, pregnant women, healthcare personnel who provide direct patient care, and caregivers of infants less than six months old.

People infected with flu can infect others before symptoms start, and up to a week after becoming sick. Flu viruses spread through coughing and sneezing, or by transfer from an infected surface to the mouth, eyes, or nose.

In addition to getting vaccinated, residents are advised to wash hands with warm water and soap often, always cover coughs and sneezes, and stay home when feeling sick.

For more information on flu prevention, including an online pharmacy locator and more details on health department clinics in Union County, visit ucnj.org/what-to-do-about-the-flu.

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SEASONAL INFLUENZA (FLU) CLINICS

CDC now recommends all individuals 6 months and older receive seasonal influenza vaccine (i.e., the flu shot) especially:

• persons aged 65 years and older, with and without chronic health conditions
• residents of long-term care facilities
• persons aged 2–64 years with chronic health conditions
• children aged 6 months or older, who attend any licensed child care center or pre-school activity
• pregnant women
• health-care personnel who provide direct patient care
• household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of children aged <6 months

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Clinic Information

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders welcomes elementary and high school teachers, plus local community groups, to register for a free, 30-45-minute in-house science presentation that relates watershed and environmental concepts in a fun and meaningful way. Teachers, students, and community members will discover how human behavior can impact the land and waterways around them.

“Since 1999, these interactive presentations have been receiving positive reviews from students and teachers alike,” said Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak. “They enjoy participating in the hands-on demonstration that includes a three-dimensional topographic land use model.”

Most importantly, the program offers easy, practical solutions that everyone can implement to reduce non-point source pollution and improve water quality. Examples of ways the average person can help include eliminating or minimizing the use of pesticides on lawns, picking up pet waste, and not feeding geese.

The free presentations are offered by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation in conjunction with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, and the AmeriCorps Watershed Ambassador Program. Also, the ambassador program offers stream assessment training for individuals and groups. To schedule a free presentation or training, call Brittany Musolino, Watershed Ambassador for Watershed Management Area 7 at 908-789-3209.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders today unveiled the newly-restored historic Wurlitzer organ at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway. L to R: Freeholder Vice-Chairman Mohamed S. Jalloh, Freeholder Bruce Bergen, Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, Organist/Composer Bernie Anderson Jr., Freeholder Vernell Wright, and Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders today announced the return of a national musical treasure with the unveiling of the newly-restored Wurlitzer organ at the Union County Performing Arts Center.

“It is because of the capacity for impact that the arts have on people – individually and collectively – that the Freeholder Board is committed to supporting the preservation of this facility and access to the arts,” said Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak. “Today’s event celebrates the preservation of musical history and the traditions and craftsmanship of the 1920’s, while bringing the theatre organ art form into the 21st Century.”

The unveiling event included historical presentations and a photo montage of the restoration process, highlighted by a live concert and demonstration that filled the historic Rahway Theatre once again with the sound of the original Wurlitzer theatre organ.

Because of its enormous sound, albeit small size, this theatre organ has become known as the “Biggest Little Wurlitzer.”

The Wurlitzer organ’s historic value has been recognized by the American Theatre Organ Society as a Level 1 Quality Instrument. Designated on the National Registry of Significant Instruments as an organ of exceptional historic and musical merit worthy of preservation, the Biggest Little Wurlitzer is one of the few theatre pipe organs in New Jersey still playing in the original venue for which it was acoustically designed.

“The designation by the Organ Society underlines the importance of the Freeholder Board’s efforts to fully restore the original Wurlitzer organ in this theatre,” said Freeholder Bruce H. Bergen, Chairman of the Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund. “The Freeholder Board is proud to have played a vital role in preserving the historic tradition and culture of Theatre Pipe Organ music in America.”

This Biggest Little Wurlitzer is a detachable console Wurlitzer Theatre Organ with two manuals, two chambers and seven ranks. It features 500 individual pipes and several percussive elements that were designed to simulate the enveloping and diverse sounds of a live orchestra.

The unique acoustical design of the chambers, auditorium, and instrument work together to make remarkable sounding theatre pipe organ music.

Head out to Rahway and hear the organ in full concert at the Union County Performing Arts Center. See the silent film classic The Phantom of the Opera on Saturday, October 25^th with live organ accompaniment by silent film organist and composer Bernie Anderson, Jr.

Built in 1928, the Rahway Theatre is listed on both national and state registers of historic places. It is now operating as a multi-purpose venue for the performing arts.

The Union County Performing Arts Center is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization operating in the historic Rahway Theatre.  Conveniently located in downtown Rahway at 1601 Irving Street, this historic landmark is the cornerstone of the Rahway Arts District. The theatre is a beautifully restored 1920’s era former vaudeville house and movie palace owned by the County of Union and operated by the nonprofit Union County Performing Arts Center.

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Members of the Freeholder Board joined in a ceremony this morning at the County Courthouse with veterans, and the family and friends of POW/MIA, to honor and remember the sacrifices of the brave men and women of the armed services.

The ceremony is held each year to reaffirm our government’s commitment to provide a full and faithful accounting of all POW/MIA. [l-r: Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, Freeholder Vernell Wright, Capt. James Russo and First Sgt. (Ret.) U.S. Army – who presented the keynote speech at the ceremony – Union Township Mayor Clifton People, Jr.,Freeholder Sergio Granados and Acting Sheriff Joseph Cryan (click for full photo)]

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that Professor Anthony J. Broccoli, of the Rutgers Climate Institute and the Atmospheric Science Department at Rutgers University, will present a discussion about climate change on Thursday evening, October 9, from 7:15 to 8:15 p.m. at Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside. This program for adults, 18 and older, is free of charge.

“Climate change has grown in importance. We are faced with the challenges every day,” said Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak. “This program will help us understand the extent of those changes.”

New Jersey has experienced climate change during the past century and the changes have been more rapid in recent decades. The lecture will address the extent of the changes that have been recorded and the prospects for future changes. Professor Broccoli will discuss the evidence of changes in the climate as well as the directions in which New Jersey’s climate may be headed.

The Oct. 9 lecture kicks off a series of Fall Adult Programs at Trailside, featuring educational lectures and workshops for adults 18 and older. For additional information about adult programs or upcoming events at Trailside, call 908-789-3670 or visit www.ucnj.org/trailside. Trailside Nature and 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 recently honored Township of Union resident Sally M. Straus for being named as the township’s senior citizen of the year for her community activism and volunteerism.

l. to r.  Union County Freeholder Vernell Wright, Sally M. Straus of Union, Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak; Freeholder Vice Chairman Mohamed S. Jalloh, and Freeholder Angel G. Estrada.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders honored Telia Anderson, a Hillside resident and graduate of the Union County Vocational Technical Schools, for being announced as a recipient of the New Jersey Association of Counties’ (NJAC) Investor Bank Scholarship program.  The Freeholders gave Ms. Anderson a check for $500 and a certificate on behalf of NJAC. She will be studying Biology and attending Montclair State University this Fall.

l. to r. Union County Vocational Technical Schools Superintendent Peter Capodice, Union County Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak,  Telia Anderson of Hillside, Freeholders Vernell Wright, Alexander Mirabella and Bette Jane Kowalski.

A six-member delegation from the Social Security Department of the Ministry of Finance for the People’s Republic of China visited the County of Union to obtain an overview of its’ budget process.

After a brief introduction in the Freeholder’s Chamber room, the delegation met with Finance Director Bibi Taylor to discuss the budget. The Chinese Delegation is visiting the U.S. this month for the purpose of learning public budgeting and finance, especially as it pertains to social services programs. They will also be visiting New York City, Washington D.C. and Virginia to have similar discussions with Federal, Municipal and County agencies.

l. to r.  Social Security Senior Section  Member (PRC) Wang Hui, Social Security  Consultant (PRC)  Huang Yaodong, Social Security Senior Section Member (PRC) Wang Min, Union County Finance Director Bibi Taylor,  Social Security Ministry (PRC) Deputy Director General Song Qichao, Union County Manager Al Faella (making presentation of gift to the delegation., Social Security Director (PRC) Wang Wenjun, Social Security Senior Section  Member (PRC) Xiao Yi, and Union County Public Relations Director Sebastian D’Elia

WATCHUNG RESERVATION – American History lovers mark your calendars. On Sunday, October 19, as part of Union County’s Four Centuries In A Weekend celebration at The Deserted Village in the Watchung Reservation, visitors will have the opportunity to hear two noted authors speak about the rich history of the area.

“Four Centuries in a weekend offers everyone an opportunity to visit historic sites throughout our county and learn first-hand the role our area played in creation of this great country,” said Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak.

“We are fortunate to be able to present two guest speakers to discuss the events surrounding the War for Independence and the role Union County played in our nation’s history,” Hudak said.

At 2:00 p.m., Mark Di Ionno, a lifetime newspaperman and a 2013 Pulitzer Prize finalist in news commentary for his work on Hurricane Sandy, will speak at Masker’s Barn. Di Ionno will discuss the Revolutionary War in the Garden State, which was the topic of his last non-fiction book, and A Guide to New Jersey’s Revolutionary War Trail.

Di Ionno is a four time winner of the New Jersey Press Association’s first-place award for column writing. His columns appear regularly in The Star-Ledger, and its online partner, nj.com.

He is also the author of three award-winning nonfiction books that include New Jersey’s Coastal Heritage, and A Guide to New Jersey’s Revolutionary War Trail, which received the New Jersey Academic Alliance Award. His third book, Backroads, New Jersey was named among the most notable New Jersey books (1995-2005) by the New Jersey Center for the Book.

At 4:00 p.m., historian Robert Sullivan will discuss the strategic role the Watchung Mountains played in Gen. George Washington’s incursion against the British troops.

In his book, “My American Revolution,” Sullivan highlights the battles that took place in New York and New Jersey and parts of Pennsylvania in our country’s battle for freedom.

Visit the Deserted Village of Feltville/Glenside Park during 4 Centuries In A Weekend on Saturday, October 18 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sunday, October 19 from 12 p.m. until 5 p.m., free of charge. The day includes guided tours, Hay rides, apple cider pressing, old fashioned children’s games and refreshments on sale in the General Store.

For the first time, visitors will also be able to get to the event via mass transit.  While shuttle buses will be available in many communities along NJ Transit’s Raritan Valley Line, Union County Parks & Recreation is joining with Mountainside and Westfield to provide shuttle service from the Westfield train station to the Deserted Village, with stops at three historic sites along the way in the two communities.   The shuttle service will run during the hours of the two-day celebration.

For more information about 4 Centuries In A Weekend you can visit the Union County website atucnj.org.