Tag: chairman granados

Retailer abruptly closes doors at numerous stores across nation, including Linden location

LINDEN, NJ—The Union County Freeholder Board through its social service and re-employment agencies is offering assistance to any Union County resident who was laid off by today’s Sam’s Club Store closings. Sam’s Club maintained a store in Linden, which abruptly closed,  laying off as many as an estimated 200 full-time and part-time employees.

“We offer our sympathies to our residents who were laid off by this abrupt and unexpected closing,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados and Freeholder Christopher Hudak, a resident of Linden, in a joint statement. “We would like these former employees to know that the County stands prepared to immediately assist with employment services through our various agencies, and we urge all to take advantage of them.”

Freeholder Granados, a liaison to the Workforce Development Board, and Freeholder Hudak have already ensured these County offices have been notified of the closing and are available to assist (more information is available at https://ucnj.org/sams-club-closures/):

Union County Workforce Development Center

Union County One-Stop Career Centers

The American Job Center Operator manages the Union County American Job Centers, including the management and coordination of all workforce services with Union County workforce partners and the Freeholder Board, as required by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).  Services include career counseling, training, and career advancement for residents and employers. 

Elizabeth
921 Elizabeth Avenue
Elizabeth, NJ 07201
908-558-8000

Plainfield
200 West Second Street
Plainfield, NJ 07060
908-757-9090

Weekly Updated Local Job Opportunities

Done in partnership between the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and Union County College.

https://ucnj.org/wdb/job-fairs-and-opportunities/

Sheriff Corvelli sworn into first term, Freeholder Garretson sworn into first term; Freeholders Estrada and Hudak Begin New Terms

UNION COUNTY COURTHOUSE, ELIZABETH, NJ-–Freeholder Sergio Granados has been selected as Chairman of the Board and announced a series of initiatives for 2018, entitled “Moving Union County Forward,” assisting families, youth, seniors, Veterans, those with special needs, and embracing progressive and inclusive ideals.

Included in these initiatives are the state’s first-ever Office of LGTBQ, Office for People with Special Needs, and the Level the Playing Field grant program—yet another example of a “first”—as Union County will become the first County in the state, and perhaps nation—to have every municipality create an inclusive playground.

Granados, a lifelong resident of Elizabeth who is the youngest Democratic Freeholder ever elected in the State of New Jersey, announced his initiatives at the 162nd annual reorganization meeting held in the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth on Sunday.

Sheriff Peter Corvelli, of Kenilworth, was sworn into his first term, and Freeholder Angela Garretson, of Hillside, was sworn into her first term. Freeholders Christopher Hudak and Angel Estrada were sworn into new terms. Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski was appointed as Freeholder Vice Chairwoman. Freeholders also voted to fill numerous positions on County advisory boards and to adopt the Board’s 2018 schedule and procedural rules.

As his “Moving Union County Forward” initiatives for 2018, Granados announced a new series of programs—including a number of first-time programs never done before throughout the state—championing advocacy and equality,  outreach and volunteerism, public safety, the environment and education.    (See www.ucnj.org/freeholders)

Most of these initiatives are at little or no additional cost, or use existing funding.

“We will be setting many ‘firsts’ this year, with innovative programs that will put Union County at forefront of the progressive movement in the State of New Jersey,” Granados said in his announcement. “Growing up I learned: You must empower yourself through hard work and effort; you must work on ways to help others empower themselves; and always give back to your community. Success is meaningless without helping others.”

The following is a summary below of “Moving Union County Forward” initiatives:

• UNION COUNTY HEART–stands for Helping, Empowering, Advocating for, Reaching and Teaching others.
  • At the core of the UC HEART initiative, is the creation of the Office of Community Engagement and Diversity. The goal of the office will be to promote volunteerism and outreach. The office’s coordinator will work 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. 
  • Partnering with the Union County Economic Development Corporation (UCEDC) to reinvest and create more jobs in Union County’s diverse communities. The UCEDC will receive a $250,000 grant to conduct outreach efforts in these areas and will provide at least half a million dollars in low interest loan capital to small businesses. 
  • The creation of the state’s first-ever LGBTQ Office. This office will advocate for our LGBTQ residents in working to provide the services they need and deserve. “This Freeholder Board has a proud record of honoring Union County’s diversity,” said Granados.
  • The creation of the state’s first-ever, Office for People with Special Needs. This Office will provide recreational and social opportunities for those with special needs, “as all residents deserve an equal chance,” Granados said. As part of this effort, the Sheriff’s Office will also revitalize and expand the Project Lifesaver program which provides tracking bracelets for those with special needs and those with Alzheimer’s. The County will also open a new Sensory-Friendly Trail at the Watchung Reservation in Mountainside—the County’s first such facility. And as the final part of this effort, the County will administer the Level the Playing Field grant program—yet another example of a “first”—as Union County will become the first County in the state, and perhaps nation—to have every municipality create an inclusive playground. This effort, which is funded through Union County’s Open Space program, will assist our towns in creating, enhancing, or replacing recreational facilities to make them inclusive for all wishing to use them.
  • The continuation of UC HERO, which has helped so many Veterans. This year will bring new job fairs, and the exploration of ways to diminish the PTSD epidemic. As a whole, the County Freeholder Board will continue to expand on the successful job fairs and employment training it has sponsored for all residents through the Union County Workforce Development Board.
  • Creation of the Union County Science, Technology, Engineering and Math grant program (known as UC STEM).  Under this program, funding will be available for STEM-related enrichment in our elementary and middle schools.  
• UNION COUNTY PLANT A SEED, which involves educational and environmental components:
  • The continuation and expansion of the UC Kids Dig In! Garden grants program, which offers grants to schools that engage young students in community gardening and donating produce to local shelters and pantries.
  • Continuing on Freeholder Bruce Bergen’s idea, the County will continue to investigate the feasibility of constructing a Countywide Animal Shelter.
  • New state funded Union County recycling initiatives with programs that encourage recycling amongst our municipal partners and will provide recycling supplies for schools and seniors. The recycling programs will be funded through state recycling grants.
• PARKS INITIATIVES:
  • The building of numerous turf fields in Plainfield, Summit, Scotch Plains and Rahway;
  • A skate park at Mattano Park in Elizabeth;
  • A spray park at Wheeler Park in Linden;
  • A new golf clubhouse at the Ashbrook Golf Course in Scotch Plains;
  • Tutoring and mentoring programs at the Warinanco Park Sports Center in Roselle;
• PUBLIC SAFETY INITIATIVES:
  • The County will partner with Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in NJ, and offer a gun buyback program through the County Police, Prosecutor’s Office, and Sheriff’s Office.
  • The County Police will partner with local police departments to provide additional public safety services for our school districts.
  • The expansion of prisoner re-entry programs that give a second chance for those who seek it: The Department of Corrections will be providing special assistance easing their re-entry into society; and the Department of Human Services will be providing support services after their release, aimed at reducing recidivism.

Granados closed off his initiatives with a call for continued fiscal responsibility, announcing the Freeholder Board will work with the County Manager to examine cost savings through the creation of a Fiscal Efficiency Taskforce.

Granados concluded his speech by emphasizing the importance of teamwork and unity in achieving all goals:

“We have announced many ‘firsts’ today. This all speaks to the vision of this Freeholder Board moving Union County forward in a progressive manner. We are connected…we are inclusive…we are united. And we will work to support one another. I look forward to ‘Moving Union County Forward’ with all of you. Thank you.”

Union County Freeholder Sergio Granados is sworn as the 2018 Chairman of the Freeholder Board by the Honorable Judge Carl Marshall, J.M.C. during Union County Government’s 162nd Annual Reorganization on January 7, 2018 at the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth. Holding the Bible for Chairman Granados is his nephew Amir Abuhamoud. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski is sworn in as the 2018 Vice Chairman of the Freeholder Board by Senator Nicholas P. Scutari during Union County Government’s 162^nd Annual Reorganization on January 7, 2018 at the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth. Holding the Bible for Vice Chairman Kowalski is her husband, Andy Lanset and County Manager Alfred J. Faella. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Sheriff Peter Corvelli is sworn into office by Senator-Elect Joseph P. Cryan during Union County Government’s 162^nd Annual Reorganization on January 7, 2018 at the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth. Holding the Bible for Sheriff Corvelli are his daughters Alyssa and Rylee, and his wife Kelly. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Freeholder Angel G. Estrada is sworn into office by Jorge A. Estrada, Esq during Union County Government’s 162^nd Annual Reorganization on January 7, 2018 at the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth. Holding the Bible for Freeholder Estrada are his two grandchildren, Keith and Alexandra. They are joined by his wife Teresa Estrada, his daughter Lilian Duryee and son-in-law Christopher Duryee, his son Daniel and daughter-in-law Magda Noga Estrada. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Freeholder Angela Garretson is sworn into office by New Jersey Governor-Elect Philip Murphy during Union County Government’s 162^nd Annual Reorganization on January 7, 2018 at the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth. Holding the Bible for Freeholder Garretson is her mother, Lorraine Garretson. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Freeholder Christopher Hudak is sworn into office by the Honorable Judge John Hudak, J.S.C., during Union County Government’s 162^nd Annual Reorganization on January 7, 2018 at the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth. Holding the Bible for Freeholder Hudak are his wife Terri, their daughter Catherine Riley and son Jackson, and his mother-in-law Kathleen Riley. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Contact: Sara Cullinane sara.cullinane@maketheroadnj.org 908-768-4991

(Elizabeth, NJ) Today the Trump administration announced the end of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Salvadorans. Effective Sept. 9, 2019, nearly 200,000 people who have been living and working legally in the U.S. for almost two decades, who have American families, homes and businesses, will be subject to deportation. 10,000 Salvadoran TPS holders currently reside in New Jersey.

Make the Road New Jersey, the grassroots immigrant rights organization based in Elizabeth, NJ strongly condemns this decision.

“Once again the Trump administration has made a cruel and inhumane decision by ending TPS for Salvadorans living in the United States. Families who have been living here for decades, who have families, jobs and form an integral part of the fabric of our communities will now face deportation to one of the most violent countries in the world,” said Make the Road New Jersey leader Douglas Martinez, who immigrated from El Salvador more than a decade ago. “Racism and xenophobia are the only explanation for this horrific decision that will gut our communities and put our families’ lives at risk.”

Union County Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados issued the following statement: “Our nation has long stood as a beacon of liberty against oppression, but the TPS decision is yet another example of President Trump’s utter disregard for the devastating impact of his immigration policies on hardworking families and communities here in Union County and across the United States. As a person of Salvadoran heritage, I find this latest humanitarian outrage an especially egregious affront to the dignity of all Americans who stand for fairness and justice, and I intend to work alongside my fellow Salvadorans and Make the Road New Jersey in the fight against this decision.”

Union County, NJ – Union County residents who are interested in tackling the environmental issues of today can join the Environmental Stewards program. Conveniently based in Westfield, the program is designed to help local residents design and execute environmental projects in their communities.

“The Environmental Stewards program brings the insights of scientists and researchers to Union County’s doorstep, and helps our citizens take effective action,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “If you working on environmental issues in your community, this program will help you gather the skills and knowledge to achieve your goals and make a real difference.”

Environmental Stewards is an award-winning program run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, a division of the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station supported in part by the Freeholder Board.

Any Union County resident is welcome to join the program as an individual, or on behalf of their municipality, employer or group such as a non-profit organization, academic institution, civic association, religious institution, Scout troop or local environmental commission.

“Union County is fortunate to host some outstanding environmental citizens in the corporate world, so we would also like to see our business community get involved in the program,” said Granados.

Experts from Rutgers University, non-profit organizations and Union County government will guide the participants through topics including energy conservation, climate change, invasive species, open space management, soil health, water resource pollution, environmental policy, protecting pollinators, and habitat conservation.

Rutgers has previously offered the program in other counties. This is the first year it has been offered in Union County.

The Environmental Stewards program will hold classroom training sessions beginning Friday, January 26 at the Extension offices in Westfield, at the Colleen Fraser Building in the Union County complex, 300 North Avenue East.

Classes are held on Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for 20 weeks. Applications are available online at envirostewards.rutgers.edu. A fee of $250.00 applies.

For more information, contact Michele Bakacs at bakacs@njaes.rutgers.edu or 732-398-5274.

For information on all Extension programs offered in Union County, including 4-H, Master Gardeners and Master Tree Stewards, visit ucnj.org/rce.

Visit the Green Connection at ucnj.org/green-connection for all Union County environmental programs and activities.

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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 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

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.