Tag: chairman granados

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to welcome all residents and visitors to the 2018 Union County Black History Month Celebration event, featuring a screening of Men of Bronze, a rare 1977 documentary about the 369^th Regiment in World War I. Keynote speaker Dr. Jeffrey Sammons, Professor of History at New York University, will provide commentary on the film and present his book, Harlem’s Rattlers and the Great War: The Undaunted 369th Regiment and the African American Quest for Equality, co-authored with John H. Morrow, Jr.

The event is free and open to the public. It will be held on Wednesday February 21, at 12:30 p.m. in the Student Development Building at Union County College, 1033 Springfield Avenue in Cranford. The program will last approximately two hours.

“Some of the veterans featured in this year’s Black History Month Celebration were from Union County,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “It is an honor to bring their stories home after so many years. Their experiences are a powerful reminder that the task of progress is never finished, and each new generation must renew the fight to ensure equality and dignity for all who call this great nation home.”

“At a time when our country is once again at the crossroads of freedom and oppression, it is all the more important to keep the lessons of history alive,” said Freeholder Mohamed S. Jalloh. “We hope that this year’s Black History Month celebration inspires all Union County residents to join together and keep working in the cause of justice and mutual respect.”

Dr. Sammons has taught at NYU since1989. A New Jersey native and a graduate of Rutgers University, he began his academic career at the University of Houston and as a post-doctoral fellow at the University of Cape Town before being named, in 1987, a Henry Rutgers Research Fellow at Rutgers University – Camden where he completed his critically acclaimed book Beyond the Ring: The Role of Boxing in American Society.

Sammons has also taught at Princeton University and at Hollins University as a Jessie Ball du Pont Scholar. He is currently at work on a book about race and golf, and he is writing a dedicated treatment of regimental hero Henry Johnson, the second black recipient of the Medal of Honor from WWI.  

In 2001 Sammons was awarded a fellowship by the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture and History and soon after received a National Endowment for the Humanities Fellowship in support of what became Harlem’s Rattlers and the Great War.

Men of Bronze is the definitive story of the black American soldiers of the 369th combat regiment, who served with the French Army in World War I.  They called themselves the Rattlers and were known as the Harlem Hellfighters.

Although relegated to non-combat duty by the U.S. Command, the 369th was sent to France and spent more time in front-line trenches than any other American infantry unit.

Fighting alongside French, Moroccan and Senegalese soldiers at the campaigns of Champagne-Marne and Meuse-Argonne, the courageous men of the 369th distinguished themselves in some of the fiercest battles of the Great War.

Men of Bronze uses photographs, interviews with veterans, and film from the French and American National Archives to recount the sage of the Harlem Hellfighters, offering an inspiring tribute to these unsung heroes and an unforgettable look at World War I.

The 2018 Black History Month Celebration is sponsored by the Freeholder Board through the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs in the Department of Parks and Recreation, and is funded in part by a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a Division of Cultural Affairs in the Department of State.

For more information on all Cultural and Heritage programs visit ucnj.org, email culturalinfo@ucnj.org or call 908-558-2550.

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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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CRANFORD, NJ – Do you like working with artists, teachers and students? The Union County Teen Arts Festival provides an opportunity for volunteers to get involved.

The Union County Teen Arts Festival is a two-day celebration of the arts. It is held annually at Union County College in Cranford and is sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders through the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs in the Department of Parks and Recreation.

This year’s Teen Arts Festival is scheduled for Thursday and Friday, March 15 and March 16. The event is open to all students from public, charter, private and parochial middle and high schools in Union County.

“Nearly 3,500 students participate in performances, critiquing seminars, master classes and workshops with a staff of 55 professional artists in every discipline – visual art, music, creative writing, theater and dance,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados.

“Volunteers are needed to assist artists with workshops, manage performance sites and staff information stations,” said Freeholder Bruce H. Bergen, who serves as the Freeholder Liaison on the Cultural and Heritage Advisory Board. “Volunteers get to experience the great creative work our kids are doing. It’s a lot of fun for everyone involved!”

If you are interested in any of these activities, contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth, New Jersey 07202. Telephone: 908-558-2550; NJ Relay Users call 711. Or e-mail us at: 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is proud to announce the launch of the new Office of LGBTQ Services. Established as part of Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados’ 2018 Moving Union County Forward initiatives, the new LGBTQ office is the first County government office of its kind in the State of New Jersey.

Operating under the new Division of Outreach and Advocacy in the Department of Human Services, Union County’s Office of LGBTQ Services will provide a platform for leadership and collaboration to support equality, and serve as a catalyst for advocacy, awareness and action on current and emerging issues that impact the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals.

“This Freeholder Board has a proud record of honoring Union County’s diversity,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “My commitment to the LGBTQ community, through a progressive directive working alongside my Freeholder colleagues has inspired us to establish the new Office of LGBTQ Services, charging the office with promoting equality, and advancing programs, resources and services to support LGBTQ individuals and their allies through inclusion and unity within our communities.”

The new LGBTQ office will work in collaboration with all County departments and in partnership with non-government ally and advocacy organizations to develop innovative strategies to help address the needs of the LGBTQ community on issues that include housing, education, health, public safety and community engagement.

“The Freeholder Board unwaveringly supports the rights of the LGBTQ community, and I am proud we are taking the progressive movement in leading County governments in the State of New Jersey to protect LGBTQ rights progress and resist discrimination, hate and division,” Chairman Granados added.

Through assessment, research, analysis and strategic collaboration, the Office of LGBTQ Services will work to support the LGBTQ community in Union County and beyond. The Office of LGBTQ Services will provide essential support that impacts the quality of life for LGBTQ people and allies through community building and human services.

“On the heels of historic progress for marriage equality by the 2015 U.S. Supreme Court ruling, the new political reality in Washington has alarmed many,” said Freeholder Alexander Mirabella, liaison to the Union County LGBTQ Ad Hoc Committee. “As a Freeholder representing the interests of all Union County residents, I believe it is extremely important to lead our communities toward acceptance of all people and advocate for full equality. The new LGBTQ office will service an important role in LGBTQ civil rights awareness and advocacy.”

Several prominent New Jersey organizations that serve the LGBTQ community applaud Union County for establishing the first County government LGBTQ office in the State of New Jersey.

“Garden State Equality is proud to support the State’s first County government LGBTQ office. We commend Chairman Granados and the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders for establishing the office with a mission to advocate for and support LGBTQ and ally residents of Union County. As New Jersey’s largest LGBT organization, we feel such pride to see a growing number of establishments that share a similar mission to our own. GSE is thrilled to now have another ally in the fight for a more equal New Jersey,” said Christian Fuscarino, GSE Executive Director.

“As advocates for abused, neglected and abandoned youth removed from home and placed in foster care through no fault of their own, CASA of Union County believes that respect for the inherent dignity, worth and human rights of all individuals is fundamental. In our day-to-day work, we strive to ensure all foster youth find permanency in an environment in which they are safe, affirmed and supported — and this is especially true for those whose rights may be more easily unfulfilled or violated,” said Marla Higginbotham, CASA of Union County Executive Director.  “We applaud Chairman Granados for creating the state’s first county Office of LGTBQ Services, under the Department of Human Services’ Division of Outreach and Advocacy. LGBTQ issues are foster care issues too!”

“Hyacinth AIDS Foundation is thrilled the Freeholder Board of Union County has established an office for LGBTQ residents. Partnerships with local leaders afford us the opportunity to be a voice in the public debate surrounding HIV/AIDS and provide the services necessary to end this horrific epidemic,” said Kathy Ahearn-O’Brien, Executive Director of Hyacinth.

“LGBTQ equality saw great progress in the past decade with influence from many of New Jersey’s LGBTQ advocacy organizations, including the 2015 Supreme Court marriage equality ruling. The unfortunate reality is that 2017 saw significant reversals of LGBTQ rights. These recent developments challenge decades-long civil right protections from Washington, amplifying the urgency for local governments to provide nondiscrimination protections that are supported by the vast majority of Americans,” Freeholder Mirabella added. “The new Office of LGBTQ Services will be persistent and determined in our work to counter the atrocious actions of the current administration in Washington with programs and services that help ensure the rights and safety of LGBTQ individuals.”

Through the Union County Office of LGBTQ Services, the Freeholder Board will host community engagement events including the first Union County LGBTQ PRIDE flag raising ceremony to launch PRIDE Month and the second annual Union County Family PRIDE CommUNITY Picnic. The Office will also facilitate access to resources, information, and programs on LGBTQ awareness days, a resource directory of LGBTQ-friendly organizations and businesses, as well as a list of federal and state legislative decisions on LGBTQ issues, and other areas of interest to the LGBTQ community and their allies. In February, the Office of LGBTQ Services will host a roundtable for organizations that serve the LGBTQ community to discuss programs, services, issues and priorities for 2018.

For more information about the Office of LGBTQ Services, contact Danni Newbury, coordinator, at 908-527-4742 or dnewbury@ucnj.org.

Union County, NJ – The Sensory Friendly Theatre series is hosting a special performance of the world class illusionists, Champions of Magic this Sunday, January 21 at 2:00 p.m. at the Union County Performing Arts Center, 1601 Irving Street in Rahway. The series is sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

“Sensory Friendly Theatre offers a welcoming, non-judgmental space for children with autism and other sensory sensitivities,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “The series helps to bring first class, enriching experiences to children, in an environment where their families and caregivers can also relax and enjoy.”

Made possible by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders in association with DCA Productions, Champions of Magic will appear at the Union County Performing Arts Center direct from a hit season in London’s West End.

“Sensory Friendly Theatre has helped hundreds of children and their families connect with the Union County community through the power of live performances, and we are looking forward to another successful season,” said Freeholder Alexander Mirabella. The series launched as an initiative of Freeholder Mirabella when he served as Chairman in 2012.

The world-class illusionists who make up the Champions of Magic team return for a spectacular night of mystery that keeps audiences guessing. With over 20 million online views between them, and sold-out shows on their 2014, 2015 and 2016 tours, the cast includes international award winning magicians presenting incredible mind reading, stunning close-up magic and daring large-scale illusions.

Champions of Magic have been seen around the world as well as on TV in the UK. Witness the impossible, including disappearances, levitation, teleportation and a heart stopping finale, all presented with lighting and special effects to rival the biggest theatrical spectacles.

For each of the performances in Union County’s Sensory Friendly Theatre series, the environment at the Union County Performing Arts Center is adjusted to provide a sensory-friendly, comfortable and judgment-free space that is welcoming for all families.

Autism Friendly Spaces implements the supportive atmosphere at performance. For more information on what to expect at Sensory Friendly Theatre visit ucpac.org/sensory-friendly-theatre.

All tickets for are $8.00 per person and can be purchased through the Union County Performing Arts Center at ucpac.org or by calling the box office at 732-499-8226.

The Union County Performing Arts Center and box office are located at 1601 Irving Street in Rahway.

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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.

Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados and Freeholder Vice Chairman Bette Jane Kowalski joined with Human Services Director Debbie-Ann Anderson and Nathalie Hernandez, Coordinator of the Office of Community Engagement and Diversity to thank Elizabeth residents Sima Farid and Alex Mendoza for their donation of 20 cots for the County’s Code Blue operations, which works to get the homeless to shelter during freezing weather.

The donations were coordinated through the County’s Office of Community Engagement and Diversity, which was announced by Chairman Granados during the recent County reorganization as part of his “Moving Union County Forward” initiatives for County government in 2018. The office promotes volunteerism and outreach, and works with other agencies to identify volunteer opportunities, coordinate events, and create a network of volunteer organizations to build relationships with the County’s different communities.  For more information on the office, please email Ms. Hernandez at Nahernandez@ucnj.org

(left to right) Nathalie Hernandez, Coordinator for the Office of Community Engagement,  Freeholder Vice Chairman Bette Jane Kowalski, Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados,  Sima Farid, Human Services Department Director Debbie-Ann Anderson, Alex Mendoza.

Chairman Granados announces office as part of initiatives for 2018

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders has established the state’s first Office for People with Special Needs, which will promote inclusion, conduct outreach, and provide recreational, educational and social opportunities for residents living with special needs.

Union County Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados announced the new office as part of his “Moving Union County Forward” initiatives for 2018 in his address during the county’s 162nd Annual Reorganization. The office uses existing manpower and resources, at no additional expense.

“This Freeholder Board is dedicated to promoting equal opportunities and inclusion for all residents, and especially for those living with special needs,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “Having volunteered my time extensively within these communities over the years, I am excited by the creation of this office, and I pledge to continue to keep working to ensure that no resident is left behind or unable to pursue their dreams or an opportunity because of a disability or special need.”

The Office will operate under the new Division of Outreach and Advocacy in the Department of Human Services.

The creation of the Office for People with Special Needs was immediately hailed by advocates and administrators in the Special Needs community:

“It is tremendous news to hear that Chairman Granados created this office as part of his initiatives and that the Union County Freeholder board is deepening its commitment to serving individuals with disabilities,” said Kaylee McGuire, CTRS, Community Recreation Coordinator, for the Recreational Therapy/Child Life unit at Children’s Specialized Hospital in Mountainside. “We are happy to see the great work that the county does for individuals with disabilities continue, as it provides incredibly meaningful activities, services, and resources. These programs are vital to the health and well-being of our citizens, and provide opportunities for children and adults to be active and engaged members of the community. The County of Union has been a true partner and friend to us at Children’s Specialized Hospital in serving the community, and we are excited about more opportunities to come. ”

Karen Lewicki, Special Olympics Area 5 Director, noted her organization has enjoyed a “strong” relationship with the County and its Parks Department for years and was excited to learn about the creation of the new division.

“They (County) have been more than generous donating facilities for league play and competitions, hosted several events such as Saturday morning Golf Program and offered to run our track meet at Warinanco Park in Roselle,” said Lewicki. “We value our partnership, and believe they provide a much needed service to the special needs community and we hope to continue our relationship as it becomes a more ‘disabilities’ focused organization moving forward.”

The County has provided a strong platform for engagement for special needs residents, especially during the past few years, having broken ground on a Sensory Friendly Trail in the Watchung Reservation that will open later this year, the creation of a new inclusive playground at Mattano Park in 2016, and Granados’ announcement of the Level the Playing Field grant program, as Union County will become the first County in the state to have every municipality build an inclusive playground for children of all abilities. The County also continues to fund “Sensory Friendly” theatre performances at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway.

The mission of the Office for People with Special Needs is as follows:

• To provide recreational and social opportunities for residents living with special needs including physical, cognitive and developmental challenges;
• To provide outreach to community groups and organizations to identify needs and interests of persons and families living with special needs as an opportunity to design effective programs;
• To develop additional resources to fund programs targeting engagement of persons living with special needs;
• To identify and implement an effective means of communication to educate community residents on programs and social events available such as yoga, ceramics, zumba, cooking, golf, swimming, sensory friendly theatre shows, a carnival and a barn dance.

The Office for People with Special Needs has already established partnerships with the following agencies/organizations to create programming:

• Special Olympics of New Jersey Area 5 (Union County)
• Children Specialized Hospital (Mountainside)
• New Jersey Devils
• Community Access Unlimited (Elizabeth)
• Kean University (Union)
• Prevention Links (E-Port Community Center)
• Linden Spectrum All-stars
• High Expectations Inc. (Clark)
• Union County Educational Services Commission (Westfield)
• Elizabeth Public Schools
• Elizabeth Parent Support Group
• Inroads to Opportunity (Roselle)
• Jardine Academy/Cerebral Palsy League (Cranford)
• Ashrams for Autism (Yoga national company)
• Summit TryCan
• Elks Eastern Central District (Union County)
• Newark Bait and Fly Casting Club

For more information or to be on the distribution list please email the office at snrec@ucnj.org or call 908-527-4781. Manuel Ramirez is the Coordinator for the office, and Nicole DeAugustine is the Assistant Coordinator.

Union County, NJ – Union County will once again participate in the national Point-in-Time Count and Survey of the Homeless. This national census of homeless persons takes place each January. In Union County, it will be conducted countywide on the streets in the early morning hours of Wednesday, January 24, from 3:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. The number of people staying at homeless shelters in Union County will also be recorded.

“While the Union County economy is strong, it is important to recognize that any person or family can fall upon hard times. As a community we strive to lend a helping hand to those in need, and the annual Point in Time Count provides valuable insights into the issue of homelessness in our neighborhoods, throughout New Jersey and across the nation,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados.

The annual Point-in-Time Count is mandated by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, and is intended to guide efforts to end homelessness.

In New Jersey, the NJCounts 2018 survey will focus on homeless families, youth and veterans. It includes both persons staying in shelters and those without shelter, in all 21 counties.

The Point-in-Time Count in Union County is coordinated by the Union County Department of Human Services with volunteers from the public and additional assistance from the Union County Sheriff.

As needed, the Union County Police Division and the Plainfield Police Department will provide rides for those requesting shelter.

“Many factors contribute to homelessness. New Jersey faces a number of challenges, including a shortage of rental housing, the loss of living-wage jobs, and the failure of Congress to increase funding for the federal Housing Choice Voucher program,” said Vice Chairman Bette Jane Kowalski, who is the Freeholder liaison to the Human Services Advisory Board. “Even under current levels, the wait for a Section 8 voucher ranges from five to 10 years in Union County.”

In order to help homeless persons connect with resources in Union County, two outreach events have also been scheduled for January 24.

The Salvation Army at 615 Watchung Avenue in Plainfield will host an event from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. including free winter coats, clothing and toiletries, and free HIV testing among many other services.

The Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeless at 118 Division Street in Elizabeth will also host an event from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on January 24, offering free haircuts, food, clothing, legal aid, veteran’s services and more.

According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 165,800 people in 70,000 New Jersey households use a voucher to afford decent, privately owned housing. In 2018, New Jersey could lose 5,500 vouchers if Congress does not increase renewal funding sufficiently to cover rising rents and other costs.

The 2017 Point-in-Time Count recorded a total of 291 households in Union County, totaling 475 persons. A total of 43 persons in 43 households were identified as chronically homeless. Fifty households totaling 55 persons were unsheltered on the night of the count.

“The fact is that any homeless person is one too many,” said Freeholder Granados. “When people lose their homes, the impact ripples out to their families and communities. Solving the problem of homelessness requires a renewed commitment on all levels – state, federal and local.”

Union County Granados’s Chairman’s initiatives for 2018 include UC HEART, a series of measures that deploy existing County resources to focus on community well-being and inclusiveness. This includes the creation of the Union County Office of Community Engagement and Diversity, the first county-based LGBTQ Office in New Jersey, and the first People with Special Needs Office in New Jersey, along with continuation of the UC-HERO program for veteran’s services.

The Point-in-Time survey is coordinated statewide in New Jersey by the nonprofit housing organization Monarch Housing Associates. For more information visit Monarch Housing online at monarchhousing.org.

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MOUTAINSIDE, NJ – The Klondike Derby, sponsored by the Boy Scouts of America, will be held Saturday, January 27, from 8:00 am until 4:00 pm, at the Loop in the Watchung Reservation. Many years ago, men raced by means of dogs and sledges across the frozen wastes of Alaska in search of gold. Scouting has capitalized on this theme and developed the Klondike Derby as an exciting activity for Boy Scouts.

The Klondike Derby has become one of the most exciting events of the Scouting year. Patrols of four to eight Boy Scouts will pull their sleds over a field course to simulated towns, where the patrols can earn points by solving problems using their Scouting skills. Challenges can include first aid, fire building, knot tying and lashing, orienteering, wilderness survival, and team work.

“As we have in past years, Union County is excited to have the Boy Scouts of America sponsoring this wonderful event at the Watchung Reservation,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados.

On Saturday, January 27, the Watchung Mountain District will participate. The district includes Scout Troops from Berkeley Heights, Fanwood, Garwood, Mountainside, Murray Hill, New Providence, Scotch Plains, Summit, Watchung, and Westfield.

The following Saturday, February 3, the Klondike Derby will feature participants from the Raritan Valley District, which includes Scouts from Plainfield.

The Klondike Derby will conclude on Saturday, February 10, with the Munsee District, which includes troops from Clark, Cranford, Elizabeth, Hillside, Kenilworth, Linden, Rahway, Roselle, Roselle Park, Springfield, Union, and Winfield Park.

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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 Government will hold its annual reorganization at the County Courthouse on Sunday, Jan. 7^th, which begins at 12 p.m.

Freeholder Vice Chairman Sergio Granados, a resident of Elizabeth, is expected to become Chairman of the Board, and Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, a resident of Cranford, is expected to be Vice Chairwoman. Those scheduled to be sworn into new terms include: Freeholders Angel Estrada of Elizabeth, and Christopher Hudak of Linden.  Angela Garretson, of Hillside, will be sworn into her first term as Freeholder.  

Freeholders will also vote to fill numerous positions on county advisory boards and to adopt the board’s 2018 schedule and more.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to present an exhibit of photography by Fred T. Rossi of Scotch Plains in the gallery space at the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, located at 633 Pearl Street in Elizabeth.  A selection of his work entitled “Over There: A Photo Exhibit of Travels in Europe” is on display at the Pearl Street Gallery until March 31.  Gallery hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

“We are pleased to have Mr. Rossi’s photographs on display,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “The exhibit showcases Mr. Rossi’s skills as a fine travel photographer.”

Mr. Rossi says of his work, “I am mostly self-taught in photography, with a little help over the years from my mother and my brother-in-law.  Since I bought myself a good camera 10 years ago (and learned how to use more than just the shutter release button) I’ve been learning new techniques as I try to define my own personal style.”

He enjoys traveling, both in the U.S. and in Europe, with some of his favorites spots being the Jersey Shore, Los Angeles, Amsterdam, France and Iceland—and his hometown of Scotch Plains.  “Every time my plane heads down the runway toward take-off, I remind myself how fortunate I am to be able to travel to places I dreamt of seeing when I was younger.”

Mr. Rossi exhibited a wide array of his European photographs at the Scotch Plains Library in December 2016 and has another exhibition at the Library planned for July 2018.  His photographs of landmarks and other sites in Scotch Plains are on permanent display at the Scotch Plains Municipal Building.  While he works on building a better website for his works, Mr. Rossi’s photographs can be viewed at https://www.facebook.com/jerzeyphoto/.

Union County artists (whose works can be hung on a wall) interested in exhibiting in the gallery space are welcome to apply. For more information about the Pearl Street Gallery or other programs, please contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, 633 Pearl St., Elizabeth, NJ 07202. Telephone 908-558-2550. NJ Relay users can dial 711. E-mail to: culturalinfo@ucnj.org.