Tag: chairman granados

Union County, NJ – It may be 241 years after the fact, but this weekend it’s time to kick the Hessians where it hurts—in Battle of the Short Hills foosball.

As part of the “Four Centuries in a Weekend”, a celebration across Union County that is free to attend, Scotch Plains resident Rich Palmatier sets up an exhibit explaining the Battle of the Short Hills, a day-long running battle in June 1777, between the British and their Hessian mercenaries, and the colonial troops fighting for independence.

The exhibit is located on the Union County Vocational-Technical School campus, adjacent to the Ash Brook Reservation and the Ash Swamp, where General Washington’s forces drew the British so that their cannons would get bogged down and slow their advance.

While Palmatier has studied the battle extensively, he has always looked for ways to engage young visitors and pique their interest in what was one of the early battles of the Revolutionary War.

“For the past few years, Rich has worked with our county print shop to develop a fascinating exhibit that helps explain Washington’s strategy,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “Some of the new materials this year are quite extraordinary, including a map that clearly illustrates how Washington used the Watchung Mountains to protect his troops at Morristown.”

“But his Revolutionary War foosball table is quite an addition to his exhibit, and it may not be just the kids who want to try it,” Granados said.

Some years ago, Palmatier, a resident of Scotch Plains, designed a very realistic-looking cannon that is a replica of the one atop the monument to the Battle of the Short Hills in front of the Ash Brook Golf Course. However, when youngsters visiting the exhibit are asked to try and lift it, they soon discover that this canon is made from Styrofoam and then often want their pictures taken with it.

Palmatier, who has spent years studying the Battle of the Short Hills, will be joined this weekend by Marc Grobman, a parks trail steward who has devoted countless hours to maintaining and improving the trail through the Ash Brook Reservation.

Grobman will be leading tours into the reservation, for visitors to see what the swamp is like and why it served so well to slow the British advance.  While the summer rains have inundated the swamp, visitors will be able to walk over first hill and far enough into the reservation to see the sudden change to swampland.

The tours will be at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. and will be leaving from the trailhead by the John H. Stamler Police Academy, located at 1776 Raritan Road, Scotch Plains.

For more information and complete details on all “Four Centuries in a Weekend” events across Union County, visit ucnj.org/4C or contact the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 908-558-2550 (NJ Relay Users dial 711)

An online version of “Union County Across the Centuries,” describing all the historic sites open this weekend, is at: ucnj.org/atc. All sites, including the Battle of the Short Hills exhibit, are open from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.

The Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs is a division of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation, which offers enriching public programs and activities all year. Visit online at ucnj.org/parks or call 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 – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders today announced the opening of the Simon Youth Academy, the first in the state of New Jersey, at The Mills at Jersey Gardens Mall, providing at-risk youth an opportunity to earn a high school diploma.

 “The Union County Freeholder Board is proud to support the opening of Simon Youth Academy in our county, making this the first of its kind in the state,” said Freeholder Chairman, Sergio Granados, who announced the creation of the academy as part of his “Moving Union County Forward” initiatives for 2018. “This academy provides a positive, supportive academic experience for our county’s at-risk youth and allows them to chart their own course for their future success. I am a strong believer that education is the key to success and we will continue to champion this through various educational initiatives that benefit our residents.”

The academy is a partnership between the Simon Youth Foundation, the Freeholder Board and the Union County Vocational-Technical School District.   The academy in Elizabeth has a capacity of 20 seats, available for students between the ages of 16 and 21.

A ribbon cutting was held at the facility, which is on the ground floor of the Mall, and attended by Freeholders, prospective students and their parents, Union County Vocational-Technical School District officials, and members of the Board of Education and City Council of the City of Elizabeth.

 “Our partnership with the County Freeholder Board and the Simon Youth Foundation has made it possible to offer this alternative route to county students looking to continue their education.” said Union County Vocational-Technical School District Superintendent Peter Capodice.

The Simon Youth Foundation builds high schools called Simon Youth Academies, through which students who dropped out of their traditional high school receive the personalized support needed to earn their diplomas. Primarily located in Simon Malls, Simon Youth Academies make learning accessible to students who struggle to connect with material in a traditional classroom or school because of homelessness, bullying, serious illness, parenthood, supporting their families, or other challenging personal circumstances.

Since its inception, SYF has maintained a 90% graduation rate at its 35 Simon Youth Academies in 15 states, helping more than 17,000 students graduate.

For information about enrollment, eligibility criteria and curriculum, please contact Simon Youth Academy Principal, Syreeta McClain, by phone at 908-956-1519 or by email at smcclain@ucvts.org.

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 proclaimed October 11, 2018 as National Coming Out Day throughout the County of Union and further declared Union County a safe space for LGBTQ individuals during the Freeholder Board mobile meeting in Plainfield on October 11, 2018.

The County observed National Coming Out Day on October 11 and participated in the one-day campaign that engages communities to take a stand against the discrimination, violence, harassment, and bullying of LGBTQ people by coming out in support of safe spaces where they “LIVE, LEARN, WORK, PLAY, and PRAY.”

“The Freeholder Board has a proud history of honoring Union County’s diversity,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “The patchwork nature of current LGBTQ protections across the country and the recent significant reversals of Federal LGBTQ protections amplifies the urgency for local governments to provide non-discrimination protections. I am a strong believer in equality and inclusion for all and will not stop working until that is realized by all within our communities.”

Through a resolution declaring Union County a safe space for LGBTQ individuals, the Freeholder Board emphasizes the extensive legal protections, outreach and advocacy efforts to create a safe space for LGBTQ people in Union County, and reiterates its determination for providing the LGBTQ community meaningful support and resources.

“As a Freeholder representing the interests of all Union County residents, I believe it is extremely important to lead our communities toward acceptance and respect for all people,” Freeholder Alexander Mirabella, liaison to the Union County LGBTQ Ad Hoc Committee. “The Office of LGBTQ Services will continue to 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 in Union County.”

Any individual, school, business or organization wishing to support to creating safer spaces for LGBTQ people can request a copy of the resolution for personal and professional display, by contacting the Office of LGBTQ Services Coordinator at DNewbury@ucnj.org or 908-527-4742.

Established as part of Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados’ 2018 Moving Union County Forward initiatives, the Office of LGBTQ Services, under the Division of Outreach and Advocacy in the Department of Human Services, is the first County government office of its kind in the State of New Jersey – and one of four government offices in the nation to support the LGBTQ community, of which only two are county government offices.

Union County’s Office of LGBTQ Services offers a platform for leadership and collaboration to support equality, and serves 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.

For more information about the Office of LGBTQ Services visit ucnj.org/lgbtq.

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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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Includes “Mercury Bounty” $5.00 gift card for residents turning in mercury thermostats.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is offering a simple, easy way for everyone to pitch in and help improve the environment. Residents can safely dispose of unwanted household chemicals and other special waste by bringing these items to a free Household Hazardous Waste recycling event on Saturday, October 27 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Nokia campus, located at 600 Mountain Avenue in New Providence.

Residents with paint cans to dispose of are advised to bring only oil-based paints and varnishes. Paint cans with a missing or illegible label are not accepted, and latex paint is not accepted. Residents who need to dispose of latex paint should let it dry in the can, then discard with their regular garbage.

“The Household Hazardous Waste program for Union County residents is particularly important as we become more aware of the need for safe disposal and recycling of commonly used household products and other materials,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “Everyone can pitch in to help improve the environmental health and safety of our community, by clearing potentially harmful items from their homes and yards.”

Residents only need to drive to the Household Hazardous Waste event with their household special wastes; no further handling is required. Workers at the site will unload the vehicles.

The October 27 event continues Union County’s “Mercury Bounty” collection program through a partnership with the company Covanta. Covanta offers $5.00 Home Depot gift cards to any residents turning in mercury-containing thermostats.

“Covanta is proud to continue its partnership with Union County for this important mercury take back event,” said Covanta’s Director of Environmental Science and Community Affairs Kenneth Armellino.

Accepted items at the Household Hazardous Waste recycling event include oil-based paint and varnish, antifreeze, aerosol cans, pool chemicals, corrosives, pesticides, herbicides, solvents, thinners, fire extinguishers, motor oil and oil filters, gasoline, batteries, thermostats, fluorescent bulbs (unbroken), and mercury switches.

Only materials in original or labeled containers will be accepted. No containers larger than five gallons will be accepted. There is a limit of eight automobile tires (without rims) per household.

The household hazardous waste collection will be held rain or shine, for Union County residents only, not for businesses. Proof of Union County residency is required.

For more information, call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889. For a complete list of the materials that will be accepted on October 27 as well as all recycling event dates and locations, visit ucnj.org/recycle.

Union County’s recycling programs support the goals of Chairman Granados’s 2018 Moving Union County Forward “Plant a Seed” initiative for environmental stewardship and individual empowerment.

For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities, visit The Green Connection at ucnj.org/green-connection.

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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 – Bring the kids, bring a friend, because once again it’s that time to ride the rails into history.

On October 20 and 21, Union County celebrates Four Centuries In A Weekend, when historic sites and museums across the County open their doors to the public, free of charge, from Noon to 5:00 p.m.

Many of the sites are within walking distance of the train stations across the County. To see the list, with directions, go to: ucnj.org/trainthrutime

“Four centuries is a wonderful event in and of itself,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “It is an opportunity to learn more about the rich history of our county. But that said, a train ride can make the day extra special, particularly for young families.”

Granados said he also appreciated how Mountainside and Kean University would be partnering again to enable people to visit several sites via trolleys and shuttles.

On both days, Kean University will provide free trolley service from NJ Transit’s Union Station to Liberty Hall Museum. Visitors arriving at the station should walk across the street to the Kean campus, where a trolley will be waiting.

Meanwhile, Mountainside will provide a free shuttle that will make a loop from the Westfield train station to the Deserted Village, with stops at the Miller-Cory Museum, the Reeve House and Mountainside’s Deacon Hetfield House, before reaching the Deserted Village, where the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation sponsors a host of activities and tours for young and old alike, from free hayrides to 18th century children’s games and history tours.

 “Some sites, like Fanwood, are right at the train station,” said Freeholder Vice Chairman Bette Jane Kowalski.  “Others have further walks, but if it is a beautiful fall day, it may be just the right time to enjoy a leisurely stroll.”

NJ Transit allows children to ride free on weekends. Monthly commuter passes are also valid. For those wishing to cycle from a train station, be sure to check with NJ Transit’s guidelines for bringing bikes aboard the trains.

Long before the Raritan Valley Line, there was the Central Railroad of New Jersey. From stations across Union County, from Plainfield to Elizabeth, it was possible to board a train to Chicago, or from Jersey City, to board a ferry to New York City. The CNJ is long gone, but some of the historic sites along the route remain, and you can ride the train to visit some of them.

A number of other historic sites are within walking distance from the train station on the Northeast Corridor line (Elizabeth, North Elizabeth & Rahway) and on the Morristown Line, which stops in Summit. For those really looking for a rail adventure, it is possible to transfer between all the rail lines at Secaucus Junction.

For more details visit ucnj.org/4C and scroll down to see “Visit Union County’s Historic Sites via Mass Transit,” or visit ucnj.org/trainthrutime.

For quick links to all transportation options countywide visit Union County ConneXions at ucnj.org/connect.

For more information and complete details on all Four Centuries in a Weekend events visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation/cultural-heritage-affairs or contact the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 908-558-2550 (NJ Relay Users dial 711) or culturalinfo@ucnj.org.

The Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs is a division of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation, which offers enriching public programs and activities all year. Visit online at ucnj.org/parks or call 908-527-4900.

Photo credit: Kean University Trolley by Kristen DeMatos.

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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 – Okay all you Passport Stamp enthusiasts out there, get ready to go crazy.

Union County is going into its second year with the Passport To Your National Parks program. For the upcoming Four Centuries In A Weekend event on October 20 and 21, a whole new set of “Union County Across The Centuries” stamps will be introduced at every site.

Union County unveiled its first set of national parks stamps last year, to recognize Revolutionary War era sites in the county that are part of the National Park Service Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage Area.

Parks enthusiasts travel all around the country just to have their passports stamped.

“We were thrilled when folks travelled from Massachusetts, Maryland and Pennsylvania just to get our new stamps last year,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados.  “We are hoping word has spread in the stamp community so that we will see more visitors across the county this year. This is what Heritage Tourism is all about.”

While many Union County historic sites date back to the 1700s, a number of them were built later and represent other significant chapters in county history. 

“We wanted to find a way to bring those sites into the excitement. People love to collect these stamps,” Granados said. 

To do that, the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs created a new stamp for each of the participating sites. A complete listing of the Union County Across the Centuries stamps is available online at ucnj.org/4c

A free new Union County passport was also printed for the upcoming Four Centuries event, where sites are open from Noon to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, October 20 and 21.

The “Passport to Your National Parks” stamps, which were unveiled at last year’s Four Centuries in a Weekend event, effectively tripled the number of national parks passport stamp locations in New Jersey overnight.

Passport stamp collectors bring their Passport books to national parks, monuments and other areas overseen by the National Park Service. They can now collect more than 20 new stamps at Union County sites.

Union County is one of 14 New Jersey counties that comprise the Crossroads of the Revolution National Heritage area, which recognizes the role New Jersey played in the American Revolution.

Because the Union County area was one of the earliest regions to be settled, there are numerous sites of significance from the Revolutionary War era. These sites now have their own unique passport stamp recognizing their inclusion in the National Heritage Area.

“It is a great feeling to be able to help our local historical societies promote their sites,” said Union County Vice Chairman Bette Jane Kowalski. “We know that there are people who travel to sites, in part, to add another stamp to their Passport book,” Kowalski said.

Several sites will have multiple stamps because of their location. For example, the Miller-Cory House in Westfield is a historic site in its own right and is also along the Washington-Rochambeau National Historic Trail, which recognizes the contribution of the French in winning the Revolutionary War.

Several battles in Union County were also memorialized with the stamps.

While the new Union County stamps will be at all sites, the national Crossroads of the American Revolution stamps are only available at these sites:

• In Berkeley Heights, the Deserted Village of Feltville/Glenside Park and the Littell-Lord Farmstead.
• In Clark, at the Dr. William Robinson Plantation-Museum.
• In Elizabeth, at Boxwood Hall, First Presbyterian Church of Elizabeth, Snyder Academy.
• Nathaniel Bonnell Homestead & Belcher-Ogden Mansion, and St. John’s Parsonage.
• In Hillside, at Woodruff House-Eaton Store Museum.
• In Mountainside, at the Deacon Andrew Hetfield House.
• In New Providence, at the Salt Box Museum.
• In Plainfield, at the Drake House Museum and Plainfield Meeting House.
• In Rahway, at Merchants & Drovers Tavern. There will also be a stamp recognizing the King’s Highway.
• In Roselle, at the Abraham Clark Memorial House.
• In Scotch Plains, at Elizabeth and Gershom Frazee House and Osborn Cannonball House.  And at Ashbrook Reservation, on Raritan Road, to mark the Battle of the Short Hills.
• In Springfield, at the Cannon Ball House. There will also be a stamp for the Battle of Springfield.
• In Summit, at the Carter House.
• In Union, at Liberty Hall, Connecticut Farms Church and Caldwell Parsonage.
• In Westfield, at the Miller-Cory House Museum, which will also have a stamp recognizing the Washington-Rochambeau National Historic Trail.

The Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs will continue to offer free Union County Across the Centuries passports at all Union County historic sites. Persons interested in purchasing a national passport can visit the official online store of the National Park Service at eparks.com/store/category/30/278/Passport.

Launched by Eastern National in 1986, the Passport To Your National Parks program consists of a guidebook highlighting national parks and provides space for dated ink “cancellation” stamps that enable visitors to commemorate their visit. More information on the program is available at: eparks.com/store/category/30/278/Passport-Books.

To learn more about the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs visit online at ucnj.org/parks-recreation/cultural-heritage-affairs.

Addresses for the various historic sites across the county are available online at ucnj.org/atc.

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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, NJ –The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is proud to present the inaugural Union County LGBTQ History Month event, featuring a screening of the 2017 Billie Jean King biographical film ‘Battle of the Sexes’ followed by a discussion about women’s rights and equality in the 70’s and today with NJ equality advocates and civil rights activists.

The event, free and open to the public, will be held on Tuesday, October 23 at 6:30 P.M. at Hamilton Stage (360 Hamilton Street, Rahway). The event is free but pre-registration is requested online at ucnj.org/lgbtq or by calling 908-527-4742.

“The Freeholder Board is proud to host the first Union County LGBTQ History Month event, recognizing LGBTQ history, and the history of equal rights and related civil rights movements,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “The Battle of the Sexes story of equality icon Billie Jean King is a powerful reminder that the task of progress is never finished, and each generation must renew the fight against discrimination and oppression to ensure equality and respect for all.”

Billie Jean King was an athlete first. Quickly, she became a champion, many times over. The first woman to defeat a former male Wimbledon champion in the 1973 Battle of the Sexes extravaganza – off the court Billy Jean King is a champion of racial justice, LGBTQ equality and women’s rights.

For her contributions to the advancement of women’s sports, Life magazine named Billie Jean King one of the “100 Most Important Americans of the 20th Century.” A tennis champion and advocate for gender equality in sports, King has become an icon and a legend.

“The Battle of the Sexes film succeeds in calling attention to the women’s equality and LGBTQ civil rights issues of 45 years ago that are unfortunately still relevant today,” said Freeholder Alexander Mirabella, liaison to the Union County LGBTQ Ad Hoc Committee.

Those expecting a straightforward sports movie may be surprised by its intimacy, as it draws a parallel between the weight of having to prove the worth of all female athletes in that one match, and the distress of hiding a secret affair with her female hairdresser from both her husband Larry and the world.

In a 2017 interview on the Today show, Billie Jean King reflected on the themes of the movie and how they are relevant today noting, “There are so many battles that have to be won again and again. Coretta Scott King talked about how freedom is never really won, how every generation has to earn it and win it again and again. It’s the same with equality. I think we’re right in the middle again.”

The 2018 LGBTQ History month event is sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and organized by the Union County Department of Human Services’ Office of LGBTQ Services and the Office on Women.

Established as part of Chairman Granados’ 2018 Moving Union County Forward initiatives, the Office of LGBTQ Services, under the Division of Outreach and Advocacy in the Department of Human Services, is the first County government office of its kind in the State of New Jersey – and one of four government offices in the nation to support the LGBTQ community, of which only two are county government offices. Union County’s Office of LGBTQ Services offers a platform for leadership and collaboration to support equality, and serves 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.

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

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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 present artworks from the Westfield Art Association, currently on exhibit at the Freeholders Gallery through October 31, 2018. The gallery is located on the 6^th floor of the Union County Administration Building, 10 Elizabethtown Plaza in Elizabeth. Gallery hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekdays.

“The Freeholders Gallery provides an opportunity for the public to connect with Union County residents from all walks of life, who contribute their passion for creative expression to enrich our community, said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “We are very proud to host this new exhibit by the Westfield Art Association.”

Artworks in this exhibit include works by local artists Dante Bonardi, Arlene Carallo, Anne Castellano, John V. Curch, Paul Federico, Maxine King, Avi Kiriakatis, Constantine Kiriakatis, Jean Literate, Hedviga Matiejunas, Jim Temple, Barbara Wallace, Vickie Williams and Jocelyn Wong.

Founded in 1922, the Westfield Art Association is the oldest independent arts organization in the state of New Jersey. A non-profit volunteer organization, it provides art education and public exhibits and actively encourages its members in the pursuit and development of their individual artistic goals and growth. The Westfield Art Association welcomes all artistic mediums and all levels of experience.

Public art events organized by the Westfield Art Association include art education lectures, hands-on art studio workshops, gallery exhibits, outdoor art exhibitions and pop-up galleries in Westfield restaurants and storefront windows.

The Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, part of the Department of Parks and Recreation, coordinates the exhibits displayed at the Freeholders Gallery.

For more information about this and other programs and services related to the arts and history in Union County, contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at culturalinfo@ucnj.org or call 908-558-2550 (NJ Relay users dial 711).

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, Conserve Wildlife Foundation and Trailside Nature and Science Center are teaming up once again to offer a one-of-a-kind teacher training workshop, Falcon Cam in the Classroom, for formal and non-formal educators living or working in Union County. 

“Union County has been part of an ongoing effort to ensure the survival of the peregrine falcon,” comments Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados, “The Falcon Cam, located on the rooftop of the courthouse in Elizabeth, provides live feed that educators can stream into their classrooms, allowing their students to observe one of nature’s most fierce and fascinating birds of prey.  This experience helps to play an important role in building an appreciation for the preservation of our parks and urban environments.”

This free professional development workshop is offered on Thursday, October 25 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The Union County Falcon Cam is one of only two located in NJ.  It provides views in and around the peregrine falcon nest and offers a wonderful opportunity to study one of New Jersey’s endangered species.

Stephanie DAlessio, Director of Education for the Conserve Wildlife Foundation, will provide educators K-8 the opportunity to learn how to use the Union County Falcon Web Cam in the classroom to teach about the ecology and adaptations of the peregrine falcon.

A guest speaker from the Tenafly Nature Center will bring live birds such as an owl, red-tailed hawk and kestrel to demonstrate the adaptations, behavior and physiology of the birds of prey.

Sample lesson plans will be provided.  Participants can earn five (5) professional education credits.  This program is made possible by a grant from Philips 66.  Breakfast and lunch will be provided as part of the workshop.

For more information about these programs or other activities at Trailside, please call 908-789-3670 or visit ucnj.org/trailside.

The Trailside Nature and Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a facility of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation.             

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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 proud to host GLAAD Media Institute’s LGBTQ accelerating acceptance social media training courses free for anyone who wants to build the core skills and techniques that influence positive cultural change through social media.

Presented in collaboration with Union County’s Office of LGBTQ Services, GLAAD Media Institute will present their signature Engagement 202: Telling Your Story Through Social Media course at Warinanco Sports Center in Roselle on Friday, October 19 from 10AM until 2PM. Registration is free and required online at glaad.org/institute.

“Social Media has grown rapidly over the past decade as an effective tool for social activism and raising awareness on important issues. A recent Pew Research Center report noted that roughly half of Americans have been civically active on social media in the past year,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “We are thrilled to partner with GLAAD’s Media Institute to make this course available to individuals who want to learn social media strategies to have social impact.”

Using the best practices, tools, and techniques they have perfected over the past 30 years, the GLAAD Media Institute works to transform individuals into compelling storytellers, media-savvy navigators, and mighty ambassadors whose voices break through the noise and influence positive change.

Designed for those who are starting to incorporate social media into their advocacy strategy, participants in this specialized course will receive a comprehensive overview of social media platforms, as well as leveraging social media for reaching expanded audiences, deeper storytelling, and accelerating acceptance. This free course will teach participants the best practices to make the most of the potential for a variety of social media platforms, while also carefully avoiding pitfalls that exist in the social media sphere.

“Sometimes the most effective way to influence change is by sharing stories of personal experiences,” said Freeholder Alexander Mirabella, liaison to the Union County LGBTQ Ad Hoc Committee. “The social media GLAAD courses is an important opportunity for LGBTQ individuals and allies to increase the impact to generate inclusion, foster acceptance and advance equality.”

“The GLAAD Media Institute has trained over 5000 advocates, activists, and allies, and we are excited to support the Chosen Freeholders’ work to accelerate acceptance for the LGBTQ community of Union County,” said Ross Murray, Senior Director for Education & Training at the GLAAD Media Institute. “We are looking forward to exciting training opportunities that can empower the local community to speak up for the values of acceptance and inclusion.”

Established as part of Chairman Granados’ 2018 Moving Union County Forward initiatives, the Office of LGBTQ Services, under the Division of Outreach and Advocacy in the Department of Human Services, is the first County government office of its kind in the State of New Jersey. It offers a platform for leadership and collaboration to support equality, and serves 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.

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

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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.