Tag: chairman granados

            ELIZABETH, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce “Caroling in the Gardens”, a week long caroling event celebrating the Holiday Season. This event will take place Dec 10^th– 14^th at 5:30 p.m. in The Mills at Jersey Gardens in Elizabeth, New Jersey. “Caroling in the Gardens” features vocal performances in the Center Court of the Mall Monday, December 10^th and Wednesday, December 12th. Groups will be caroling throughout the mall on Tuesday, December 11^th, Thursday, December 13^th and Friday, December 14^th. This event is coordinated by the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs in the Union County Department of Parks & Recreation, and made possible in part by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.

“In true Union County style these performers represent a range of vocal stylings and traditions that lend cheer to the holiday,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is proud to showcase the rich diversity of our community at The Mills at Jersey Gardens Mall, which attract shoppers and travelers from all over the world have this event in Union County.”

The weeks scheduled performances are:

Monday, December 10^th:

Rahway Valley Jerseyaires

Tuesday, December 11^th:

Grupo Belen

Wednesday, December 12^th

Rahway Valley Jerseyaires

Thursday, December 13^th

Esperanza Azteca

Friday, December 14^th

Chinese American Music Ensemble

            The Mills at Jersey Gardens will host Caroling in the Gardens in its Center Court, and throughout the mall. “We are excited to debut Caroling in the Gardens, and event that is sure to bring the magic of the holidays to life!” said Crystal Fresco, Marketing Director for The Mills at Jersey Gardens.  “Our shoppers come from all over the tri-state area and beyond; it is an honor to help spread holiday cheer during this joyous season,” Ms. Fresco added. The Mills at Jersey Gardens is located on Kapkowski Road at Exit 13A of the New Jersey Turnpike and features 200 stores all under one roof.

                        For more information about “Caroling in the Gardens,” contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202. Telephone (908) 558-2550.  New Jersey Relay Users dial 711. e-mail culturalinfo@ucnj.org.

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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.

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Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce the launch of the new UC Night at the Theatre grant program for high schools. As part of Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados’s Moving Union County Forward initiative, the new program aims to help cover the costs of high school theatre productions and provide arts enrichment for the community at large.

“High school students have an incredible depth of talent to share, and high school theatre provides many avenues of endeavor to pursue, whether onstage or behind the scenes,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “Through this grant program, we hope to assist our schools in expanding and enhancing these enriching opportunities for students, while engaging more residents in the performing arts as well.”

The UC Night at the Theatre program is funded through Moving Union County forward in conjunction with the Union County Open Space, Historic Preservation and Kids Recreation Trust Fund. A total of $25,000 in grants will be disbursed to help cover the costs of high school theatre productions slated for the spring or fall of 2019.

“UC Night at the Theatre is part of the Freeholder Board’s efforts to help youths in Union County explore their interests and share their enthusiasm with family, friends and neighbors. All of us benefit when young people in our community are motivated, confident, and creative,” said Freeholder Alexander Mirabella, who is Chairman of the Trust Fund.

Grant applications must be submitted through the school principal.  As a condition of the grant, recipients are required to encourage the community at large to attend school theatre productions.

Application forms and a letter describing the new program have been sent to high school principals in all 21 Union County municipalities. Awards will be announced shortly after the application deadline of December 17.  

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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.

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PLEASE NOTE: CELEBRATE THE SEASON IS SOLD OUT. Join us this holiday weekend on Friday, Saturday and Sunday for the annual Holiday Sound & Light model train show (info + tickets: https://wp.me/p4sLwl-gZ8). On Sunday, children with sensory sensitivities and their families can also enjoy a special performance of The Nutcracker by the American Repertory Ballet on Sunday (Info + tickets: https://wp.me/p4sLwl-dMJ).

ROSELLE, NJ—The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation invite everyone to join in the kick off of the holiday season with Santa Claus and his Elves at the newly modernized Warinanco Park Sports Center, located inside Warinanco Park, 1 Park Drive in Roselle. It all takes place on Sunday, December 2^nd.

Tickets to this family event, which will be divided into three sessions, will only be available on line by visiting www.warinancopark.com. The times for each session are: 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.; 1:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m.; and 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.

All tickets are priced at $5, with children under 2 years of age admitted without charge. The entry fee includes the two hour session plus skate rental, hot chocolate and cookies.

No tickets will be sold at the door. Space is limited to 250 people per session.

“Everyone is welcome to join us for this special event to kick off the holiday season,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “Be sure to purchase your tickets early because space is limited and you don’t want to miss all the fun and excitement.”

Along with the skating there will be holiday caroling, kids’ crafts and face-painting, or you can just sit by the fire and enjoy a meal in the café.

For more information on this and other events at the Warinanco Park Skating center you can log on to ucnj.org/skating.

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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.

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MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce a free peregrine falcon presentation on Saturday, December 1 at 2:00 pm for families with children ages 7 and older at the Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside.

Stephanie D’Alessio, Director of Education for Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey will help those in attendance explore the life of the fascinating birds. She will explain how to access the Union County Falcon cam that provides a live stream in and around the peregrine falcon nest in Elizabeth. The program is free but donations are welcome.

The live stream is free to the public on the Union County website, at ucnj.org/falcon.

Peregrine falcons are listed as an endangered species in New Jersey, and Union County has been part of ongoing efforts to ensure the survival of these remarkable birds statewide. They are known for their rapid dives, which can approach an astounding 200 miles an hour as they move in on their prey.  

The Falcon Cam is a wonderful opportunity to observe and study one of nature’s most fierce and fascinating creatures. It provides an enriching experience for County residents of all ages, and for online visitors from all over the world. 

“The live feed helps to build an appreciation for the role that we can all play in preserving our natural heritage, both in our parks and in the urban environment.” says Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados.  

Union County’s falcon preservation efforts have been undertaken with the generous assistance of wildlife experts from New Jersey DEP and the nonprofit Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey.

The Conserve Wildlife Foundation is Union County’s official partner for educational programming related to falcons and the Falcon Cam. Stephanie D’Alessio, Director of Education for Conserve Wildlife Foundation, explores the life of these fascinating birds.

Visit ucnj.org/trailside to register for the program or call 908-789-3670 for additional information about this activity and other upcoming events at Trailside.

Trailside Nature and Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a facility of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

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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.

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Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders reminds residents, business owners and non-profit managers to submit nominations for the 27^th annual Women of Excellence awards. The submission deadline is December 3^rd. The awards celebrate women who have made a powerful impact on life in Union County.

“Today it is more important than ever to raise awareness about the influence of women in every sphere of the Union County community, from business and legal affairs to public service, education and much more,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “These awards recognize the contributions made by women who inspire, lead, serve, and in so doing, make a positive difference in the quality of life for everyone in Union County.”

Women can be nominated for their achievements in the fields of Arts and Humanities, Business and Entrepreneurial, Community Service, Education, Government, Law, Law Enforcement, Medicine and Health Care and Child, Youth and Women’s Advocacy.

Individuals, businesses, non-profits and government agencies can submit nominations for an award. Nominations are open to all women 21 years or older who live, volunteer or work in Union County.

The awardees will be honored at the annual Women of Excellence gala awards dinner, to be held on March 29, 2019 at the Gran Centurions in Clark.

Each awardee will receive an engraved Women of Excellence plaque and a Freeholder Resolution in their honor recognizing their impact on the Union County community.

The Women of Excellence awards are sponsored by the Freeholder Board and the Union County Commission on the Status of Women, with the Union County Office on Women. 

For the first time this year, Women of Excellence nominations may be submitted online. To submit a Women of Excellence nomination online, visit ucnj.org/women-awards.

Nominations will also continue to be accepted by mail. Mail-in nominations should be sent to the Union County Administration Building, Attn: DHS-Office of Outreach and Advocacy, 2^nd Floor, 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth, NJ 07207.

For any questions about the nomination process or to get more information about the Women of Excellence awards program, contact Elizabeth Sebring, Union County Department of Human Services, at 908-527-4890 or esebring@ucbj.org.

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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.

Union County, NJ – For more than 30 years, Union County residents have gained personal growth through community service as volunteers with the Union County Rape Crisis Center. New volunteers are welcome to join now and receive a free training course that qualifies them to serve with the Rape Crisis Center as confidential advocates for victims of sexual violence.

The Rape Crisis Center began in 1984 as a volunteer program run by the Union County Department of Human Services. Its offices are located at the Colleen Fraser Building at the Union County complex in Westfield, at 300 North Avenue East.

“The Rape Crisis Center helps victims of sexual violence manage a life-changing crisis and restore their sense of empowerment and human dignity,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “By providing this support, our volunteers also find new reservoirs of strength within themselves. It is a program that gives back to the whole community.”

RCC volunteers are often the only peer support available to victims of sexual violence, many of whom cannot turn to family or friends for help.

Using mobile phones, the volunteers run a 24/7 hotline to provide callers with guidance on navigating the medical, legal and emotional aftermath of sexual violence.

Volunteers may also provide in-person support. For example, they may accompany victims to a medical procedure or court appearance.

All RCC volunteers receive a training course that qualifies them as certified Confidential Advocates.

No previous experience in counseling is required. Professional RCC staff and seasoned volunteers provide ongoing support and mentorship for new volunteers.

Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, Union County residents, and have their own car.

To inquire about the next training course, call the Rape Crisis Center hotline, 908-233-7273. 

Additional information on the volunteer experience is available at the Rape Crisis Center blog, unioncountyrapecrisiscenter.blogspot.

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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.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that nominations are now being accepted for the 27^th annual Women of Excellence awards. The awards celebrate women who have made a powerful impact on life in Union County.

“Today it is more important than ever to raise awareness about the influence of women in every sphere of the Union County community, from business and legal affairs to public service, education and much more,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “If you know a woman who leads and inspires, I encourage you to submit her name for consideration.”

Women can be nominated for their achievements in the fields of Arts and Humanities, Business and Entrepreneurial, Community Service, Education, Government, Law, Law Enforcement, Medicine and Health Care and Child, Youth and Women’s Advocacy.

Individuals, businesses, non-profits and government agencies can submit nominations for an award. Nominations are open to all women 21 years or older who live, volunteer or work in Union County.

The awardees will be honored at the annual Women of Excellence gala awards dinner, to be held on March 29, 2019 at the Gran Centurions in Clark.

Each awardee will receive an engraved Women of Excellence plaque and a Freeholder Resolution in their honor recognizing their impact on the Union County community.

The Women of Excellence awards are sponsored by the Freeholder Board and the Union County Commission on the Status of Women, with the Union County Office on Women. 

For the first time this year, Women of Excellence nominations may be submitted online. To submit a Women of Excellence nomination online, visit ucnj.org/women-awards.

Nominations will also continue to be accepted by mail. Mail-in nominations should be sent to the Union County Administration Building, Attn: DHS-Office of Outreach and Advocacy, 2^nd Floor, 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth, NJ 07207.

All nominations must be submitted by December 3, 2018.

For any questions about the nomination process or to get more information about the Women of Excellence awards program, contact Elizabeth Sebring, Union County Department of Human Services, at 908-527-4890 or esebring@ucbj.org.

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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.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites County residents to the opening of the Warinanco Dog Park on Saturday December 8^th at 1:00 pm. The new dog park is located behind the Warinanco Sports Center located at 1 Park Drive in Warinanco Park, Roselle. The opening is free for county residents along with their dogs to attend.

“This new dog park in the eastern end of the County will complement the existing dog park in western Union County,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “The Freeholder Board is proud to provide this more local option for dog lovers and owners. As a dog lover myself, I am personally excited to see the county continue to flourish and offer residents diverse resources to accommodate their dogs, which like them, are part of Union County.”

The Warinanco Dog Park is a newly constructed public facility. It features separate large and small dog areas. Each area is equipped with agility equipment, dog-waste stations, pet-friendly water fountains and seating for dog owners.  The Warinanco Dog Park will operate on the same schedule as all Union County parks, with access available year-round from dawn to dusk on a daily basis.

 “When Freeholder Sergio Granados became Chairman, I asked to meet with him in January to discuss the option on building a dog park in my hometown,” said Ruby Contreras from the Elizabeth Public Information Office. “We then decided that Warinanco Park was the perfect location as it allows other dog owners from the surrounding towns to come together as well. As a dog mom, I am proud to say that I helped make this happen not only for dogs, but for dog parents everywhere.”

The ribbon-cutting will happen rain or shine. In the event of rain, the ribbon cutting will be held outdoors and remaining activities will be hosted inside of Warinanco Sports Center. The event will include dog treats, dog vendor booths and more.

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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.

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Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce the opening of a new skate park at Union County’s Mattano Park at 360-484 5th Avenue in the southern corner of Elizabeth.

“The new skate park demonstrates Union County’s commitment to expand its recreational resources and enable more County residents to enjoy the community experience of healthy outdoor activities in a public park,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “This is a great addition to a park that includes turf field, inclusive playground, picnic areas and exercise stations among other features.”

The new skate park is the latest in a recent series of upgrades in Mattano, including new turf athletic fields, a new sprinkler playground, and the County’s first playground created for children with special needs.

“Mattano is truly a people’s park, with something for everyone from all walks of life,” said Freeholder Vice Chairman Bette Jane Kowalski, who chairs the Freeholder Board’s Parks, Public Works and Facilities Committee. “We have had a wonderful experience with our first skate park in Clark, and we are looking forward to seeing how Union County’s skateboard enthusiasts respond to this new opportunity for honing their skills.”

The Union County parks system encompasses 36 distinct parks offering a wide range of activities including golfing, hiking, swimming, boating, horseback riding, educational programs and much more in addition to many playgrounds, athletic fields and picnic areas.

For more information about activities and programs in Union County parks, visit online at ucnj.org/parks, email parkrequest@ucnj.org or call the Reservation Desk, 908-527-4900.

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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.

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Union County, NJ — Union County residents and visitors are invited to explore the concept of untold histories and participate in a discussion hosted by Dr. Mary Rizzo of Rutgers University on Tuesday, November 13 at 7:00 p.m. at Union County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center, located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside.

Dr. Rizzo is the creator of the public humanities Master of Arts track in the Graduate Program in American Studies at the Rutgers University School of Arts and Sciences. The program prepares students for leadership positions in public history and humanities organizations.

“Historical sites are enriched by a more inclusive and diversified accounting of the people, times, and events associated with them,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “It is very exciting to have Dr. Mary Rizzo share her knowledge and insights on building trust with underrepresented communities and bringing their stories to the public.”

Good Intentions Are Not Enough: Telling Untold Histories at Your Site is open to all Union County residents and visitors. Students, educators, librarians and members of local historical societies are especially encouraged to attend.

Using real-world examples, Dr. Rizzo will show how historical and cultural organizations are helping to diversify the history presented to the public.

Dr. Rizzo will also draw on her academic research and her work as founder and chair of the Telling Untold Histories Conference, to address the challenges and ethical considerations involved in developing relationships with community members.

Attendance is free of charge but pre-registration is required. To pre-register online visit the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at ucnj.org/parks.

For more information about the event contact John Prescott at the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, 908-436-2912 or jprescott@ucnj.org.

This program is funded in part by the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State.

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.

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