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Union County Honors Dreamer Sara Mora of Hillside on Role at Governor’s Inauguration

Union County Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados and Union County Freeholders Angel G. Estrada and Angela R. Garretson present a resolution to Sara Mora of Hillside congratulating her on leading the Pledge of Allegiance at Governor Phil Murphy’s Swearing-In Ceremony in Trenton earlier this month.

After Sara’s family left Costa Rica when she was three-years-old, she grew up in Hillside and received the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) when she turned 16, allowing her to get her driver’s license and take the SATs alongside her classmates. Her immigration status made her ineligible for state and federal financial aid, because of DACA, she was able to get a work permit and worked to put herself through Union County College. Currently the status of DACA is stalled in Congress.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders congratulates Sara Mora upon her achievements thus far and supports efforts to pass the DREAM Act to preserve DACA.

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Union County Awarded $2.9 Million to Improve Safety at Five Intersections in the City of Plainfield

Union County will receive $2.9 million in federal grants to make safety improvements at four intersections on 7th Street and at the intersection of East Front Street and Leland Avenue in the City of Plainfield, including updating traffic signals.

The improvements also include high visibility crosswalks and pedestrian signals. In addition all of the intersections will be evaluated for dedicated left-turn lanes, which will be installed where feasible.

This project is among 14 throughout the region that the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA) Board of Trustees approved at its Jan. 22 meeting.

“This funding will allow us to improve safety at five intersections in residential areas near Plainfield’s busy commercial district,” said Union County Freeholder Angel Estrada, who was elected Chair of the NJTPA Board of Trustees at the meeting. “It’s important that we protect our roadways’ most vulnerable users — pedestrians — while also making them safer for motorists to navigate.”

This grant is part of the NJTPA’s Local Safety Program, which provides federal funds for cost-effective solutions that can make an immediate impact on their target areas. The NJTPA Board approved $50.8 million in Local Safety Program and High Risk Rural Roads grants for projects that will proceed in fiscal years 2017 and 2018. More information on the program is available online at njtpa.org/LocalSafety

Freeholder Vice Chairman Bette Jane Kowalski, who serves as an alternate to the NJTPA said the projects are critically important. “This is a major win for Plainfield and Union County as a whole,” she said. “These corridors connect major commercial hubs and will improve both the flow of commuter traffic and commercial traffic, while making them safer for pedestrians.”

Freeholder Linda Carter, a resident of Plainfield, noted the important role these transportation facilities play in the everyday life of the city’s residents. “These intersections and roadways service important institutions, numerous businesses, churches and residences and are among the busiest in Plainfield,” Carter said. “The improvements will benefit pedestrians and motorists alike.”

Plainfield Mayor Adrian Mapp said: “In light of our numerous redevelopment projects and the resurgence in our business district, this could not have happened at a more opportune time. We are seeing increased activity in and around our City and the safety of our residents and visitors is of the utmost importance. Additionally, the 7th street corridor is a major connecting hub between municipalities and is a direct link from our West to East end. I am grateful to the NJTPA and the Union County Board of Freeholders and I look forward to even more collaboration in 2018 as we work to improve not just Plainfield but all of Union County.”    

The NJTPA is the metropolitan planning organization (MPO) for 13 northern New Jersey counties. Under federal legislation, MPOs provide a forum where local officials, public transportation providers and state agency representatives can come together and cooperatively plan to meet the region’s current and future transportation needs. The agency establishes the region’s eligibility to receive federal tax dollars for transportation projects.

The NJTPA Board consists of one local elected official from each of the counties in the region (Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union and Warren) and the cities of Newark and Jersey City. The Board also includes a governor’s representative, the New Jersey Department of Transportation commissioner, the NJ TRANSIT executive director, the chairman of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and a citizen’s representative appointed by the governor.

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Students Lauded for Countywide “Branches Against Bullying” Campaign

Union County, NJ – Union County Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados and Freeholders Linda Carter and Alexander Mirabella presented resolutions to members of Color Group Orange from the Union County Student Training and Enrichment Program (UC STEP) congratulating them on winning the Civic Engagement Challenge of 2018 UC STEP. Eight of the members received their resolutions in person during the Regular Freeholder Board Meeting on Thursday, January 25. They were joined by Union County Deputy Manager Amy Wagner and Deana Mesaros of the Department of Economic Development.

UC STEP was created to provide high school students the opportunity to develop a countywide community service around a topic they feel is important, while teaching them leadership and personal growth skills and responsibility within their communities.

More than 200 sophomores and junior students from high schools throughout Union County participated in the annual program, which took place in December 2017 at Kean University in Union.

Color Group Orange’s campaign, Branches Against Bullying will be a “compliment drive” of positive and uplifting messages written on leaves of the Branches Against Bullying tree.  The trees will be placed in all participating schools for students to take a compliment leaf whenever one is needed.

All together the members of Color Group Orange are: Nick Sofianakos, Arthur L. Johnson High School; Erin Butterfield, Governor Livingston High School; David Martinez, Governor Livingston High School; Michael Guzman, John E. Dwyer Technology Academy; George McReynolds, John E. Dwyer Technology Academy; Meital Oshri, Jonathon Dayton High School; Derrick-Charles Cosby-Hurling, Linden High School; Pierette Foy, Linden High School; Marissa Policarpio, New Providence High School; Nina Suske, New Providence High School; Rashanna Fowler, Plainfield High School; Kyle Isolda, Scotch Plains- Fanwood High School, Sarai G. Romero, Scotch Plains Fanwood High School; Kendra Melendez, Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy; and Sydnee Alava, Union High School.

(Photo by Jim Lowney/ County of Union)

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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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Freeholders Appoint Ed Oatman as new County Manager

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders appointed Edward Oatman to be the new County Manager effective March 1st.

Oatman will succeed Alfred Faella, who announced his retirement effective March 1st after more than six years as County Manager.

Oatman, 42,  has more than 16 years of governmental experience. He is the 12th top executive under the County Manager form of government. Oatman assumes responsibility for the day-to-day operations and budget of a 21-municipality government with approximately 2,800 full-time employees.  He will be responsible for the implementation of the policy of the Board of Chosen Freeholders.

“I would like to thank the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders for this opportunity as well as the residents of Union County,” said Oatman. “I look forward to continuing the vision and course of action the Freeholder Board has set, and to deliver the best possible services to our residents. It is an honor to serve the public in this position.”

Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados congratulated and welcomed Oatman.

“Ed has more than 16 years of governmental experience at the state and in working with officials at the local and county levels of government, as well as experience in running a business,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados, who added that Oatman had reached out to every Freeholder on the Board prior to his confirmation. “We are excited to work with him in moving Union County forward.”

Freeholder Vice Chairman Bette Jane Kowalski added that the Board has confidence in Oatman’s abilities having worked through him over the years on state issues involving Senator Scutari and former Assemblywoman Linda Stender.

“Ed has great experience in developing solutions to complex issues,” said Kowalski. “He brings the added dimension of his statewide contacts and experience, and his ability to build a consensus in getting things done.”

Over the years, Oatman has worked to assist Senator Scutari and former Assemblywoman Stender in developing landmark environmental, public safety, health and infrastructure legislation. He has served as Chief of Staff for Senator Scutari for the past six years and for Assemblyman Jim Kennedy for the past two years. Oatman was the Union County Campaign Coordinator for Governor Phil Murphy. Oatman previously served as Chief of Staff for former Assemblywoman Linda Stender from 2002-16.  He is a partner in Parktowne Associates, a small business focusing on political consulting and community and governmental affairs.

Oatman has worked on bills that would prohibit individuals on the terror watch list from being able to purchase a gun in New Jersey; the Global Warming Response Act signed by then Governor Corzine; a measure reducing the use of pesticides in schools; the Pedestrian safety legislation which provides pedestrians with a clear right to safely navigate New Jersey’s roadways; and a bill that consolidated the NJ Turnpike and the Parkway, resulting in millions in savings to taxpayers.

Oatman also worked with various levels of government in efforts that resulted in funding for the Tremley Point Connector road in Linden, a long-sought infrastructure project that is vital to improving roadway safety and fueling economic development in the region.

Working on behalf of Stender and Scutari, Oatman worked to aid a local Scotch Plains family as Scutari amended a law to change the form of Marijuana that could be distributed for medicinal purposes. Christie ultimately vetoed the measure and the case made national news as  it involved a two-year-old Scotch Plains resident who suffered from a catastrophic, drug-resistant form of epilepsy called Dravet Syndrome.

As County Manager, Oatman added he would continue to follow the Board’s vision of realizing economic efficiencies, maintaining the County’s high bond rating, while continuing the trend of delivering solid services that touch all residents and working families at every stage in life.

“These are all areas this Freeholder Board has excelled in governing, and I will continue to move the needle forward,” said Oatman.

Oatman also emphasized the importance of continuing to jumpstart economic development, especially infrastructure improvements including roadway projects, while providing new job opportunities to residents.

“We certainly look forward to working with our new Governor, who shares many of the same priorities as the Freeholder Board does,” said Oatman.

Oatman has a Bachelor’s of Science in Political from Kean University. Oatman currently serves on the Kean University Board of Trustees; and has been active in his hometown of  Woodbridge, having served on the Boards of the Woodbridge Little League; and the Woodbridge Township Youth Soccer Association. He is a member of the Mawbey Street School & Woodbridge Middle School PTO.

Oatman is married and has three children, and lives in Woodbridge with the family dog, Buddy the Beagle.

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26th Annual Union County Women of Excellence Awardees Announced

Union County, NJ – The Union County Commission on the Status of Women is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2018 Women of Excellence Awards. The awardees will be honored at the 26th annual Women of Excellence dinner on Friday, March 16 at 6:30 p.m. at the Westwood, 438 North Avenue in Garwood.

“Throughout the years, the Women of Excellence Awards have sparked conversations about opportunities, challenges and achievements in today’s society,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “Now more than ever, it is vital to affirm the powerful impact of women’s leadership, and affirm our support for women in all aspects of life in Union County.”

The Women of Excellence Awards honor women who have distinguished themselves in the fields of arts and humanities, business/entrepreneurial, community service, education, government, law, law enforcement, medicine/health care, and women’s advocacy. The program is run by the Commission on the Status of Women and sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders through the Union County Office on Women.

“Our Women of Excellence awardees provide us with inspiring models for success in a wide range of endeavors. The whole community is strengthened and invigorated when each one of us can follow our passion and exercise our full potential,” said Freeholder Linda Carter, who is the Board’s liaison to the Commission on the Status of Women.

Residents of Union County and out-of-county residents who are active in Union County affairs are eligible for the award.

The 2018 Women of Excellence awardees are:

Malathi Narayan Ananthakrishnan, New Providence  (Arts in Education)

Dr. Ludovina Archeval , Holy Redemer Home Care of Elizabeth (Health/Medicine)

Brooke Campbell, Cranford (Children’s Advocacy)

Maria Carvalho, Elizabeth (Youth Advocacy)

Councilwoman Rose Checchio, Scotch Plains (Government)

Candyce Mayers, Linden (Women’s Advocacy)

Marguerite Modero, Roselle Park (Special Needs Advocacy)

Donna Puzella , Summit (Business Leadership)

Patricia Roman, Clark (Volunteerism)

Margaret Salisbury, Union (Lifetime Achievement)

Nominations are open to women 21 years or older who live, volunteer, or work in Union County.

All awardees are guests of honor at the annual Women of Excellence gala awards dinner each spring. Awardees receive an engraved Women of Excellence plaque and a Freeholder Resolution recognizing their contributions to the Union County community.

The 2018 Women of Excellence Award Dinner is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., Friday March 16, at The Westwood in Garwood.

Tickets are required for attendance and must be purchased by March 2, 2018. The cost is $50.00 per person. Payment may be made by check to the UCCSW and mailed to Ms. Carol Lombardo, 275 Fourth Avenue, Garwood NJ 07207. For more information email bkwrm148@hotmail.com.

The Union County Office on Women was established to help ensure that women connect with services and programs that enable them to reach their full potential at every stage of their lives. More information is available online at ucnj.org/women.

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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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Klondike Derby to be Held at Watchung Reservation Beginning Jan. 27

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.

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(Meeting Postponed) Union County to Hold Meeting for New and Current Adopt-A-Trail Stewards

Update: Please note, the meeting originally scheduled for February 10 has been postponed. A new date will be announced shortly.

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ—The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation will host an annual meeting for new and seasoned Trail Stewards at Trailside Nature & Science Center on _____________.

“Throughout the years Trail Stewards have volunteered many hours to ensure that our trails are kept safe and accessible to trail users,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “We appreciate all the help that has been provided in the past, and look forward to welcoming new stewards to the program”.

Being part of the Adopt-A-Trail program allows trail users to ‘give back’ to the trails they use throughout the year by helping to keep drainage ditches clear of debris, trails free of litter, branches and fallen trees and water diverted off trails to prevent erosion and many other tasks.

New trail stewards will be given basic instruction on how to monitor and maintain a section of trail in the Union County Park System, including the Watchung Reservation, Passaic River Park in Berkeley Heights and Summit, Lenape Park in Cranford, Ash Brook Reservation in Scotch Plains and various other locations.

All stewards are required to attend an annual meeting, must commit to monitoring and maintaining their trail for a minimum of two years and submit quarterly reports through the year.

Registration for the meeting on February 10th is required. To register you can email Betty Anne Kelly at bkelly@ucnj.org or call 908-789-3683.

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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 Clerk Advises Union County Residents on Travel ID

Union County, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi advises residents who are U.S. citizens to ensure that their passport is up to date, or obtain a passport if they don’t already have one. Passports are among the forms of identification accepted for domestic flights under the federal REAL ID Act of 2005. State driver’s licenses are accepted for domestic flights only if they comply with REAL ID standards. New Jersey is among a group of states that missed a 2016 compliance deadline and received an extension until October 2018.

“New Jersey driver’s licenses can be used for domestic flights until the extension runs out, but that is a temporary fix,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “A passport offers the predictability and reliability of a 10-year lifespan for adults, so it’s a good investment even if you don’t plan on going overseas.”

“Proper identification is required to board domestic flights as well as for overseas travel, and U.S. passports are accepted for both,” Ms. Rajoppi added. “With a valid U.S. passport, you never have to worry about having the correct identification when flying.”

Ms. Rajoppi also advised residents planning spring or summer travel to obtain a passport now rather than waiting until travel season.

“The State Department is taking four to six weeks to complete transactions, and expediting the process can be inconvenient as well as expensive,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “Expedited passports take two to three weeks to process, so it’s always a good idea to conduct any necessary passport business well in advance of your travel plans.”

Union County residents can process their U.S. passport applications and renewals through the County Clerk, at the main office at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth or the satellite office at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield. Passport photos are offered at both locations for a nominal fee. The Westfield office also features evening and weekend hours.

For complete office hours and more details about the County Clerk’s passport services, including downloadable forms, visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk.

Information about the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s implementation of REAL ID standards is available at dhs.gov/REAL-ID.

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Legislador del Condado de Union Estrada es Elegido com Presidente De la Autoridad de Planificación de Transporte del Norte de New Jersey Primer Latino en Ocupar esta Posición

Para más información contactar:
David Behrend, NJTPA
973.639.8423
dbehrend@njtpa.org
Legislador del Condado de Union Estrada es Elegido com Presidente
De la Autoridad de Planificación de Transporte del Norte de New Jersey
Primer Latino en Ocupar esta Posición

El Legislador del Condado de Union Angel G. Estrada ha sido elegido como Presidente  de la Autoridad de Transporte del Norte de New Jersey (NJTPA) el 22 de enero, 2018 durante la reunión de la Junta Directiva, siendo el Primer Latino en ocupar esta posición.

“Me siento honrado de que mis compañeros  de la Junta Directiva me hayan elegido para servir como presidente del  NJTPA, y estoy orgulloso de ser el primer Latino en ocupar esta posición,” dijo el Legislador Estrada, quien en el 2004 se convirtió en el primer Latino en ser seleccionado como Presidente de la Junta de Legisladores del Condado de Union. “Este es un momento difícil para el transporte en nuestra región, con la creciente necesidad de construir más túneles trans-Hudson, implementar nuevas técnicas y mucho más. Estoy ansioso de trabajar con la Junta y con nuestros socios para mejorar el transporte de todos los residentes de nuestra región.” 

NJTPA supervisa la planificación del transporte regional y autoriza anualmente más de mil millones en el área federal de fondos de transporte para los 13 condados en el norte y centro de New Jersey.

“A nombre de la Junta de Legisladores del Condado de Union, me complazco en felicitar al Legislador Estrada en su nombramiento como Presidente del NJTPA, y como latino lleno de orgullo, estoy muy emocionado de ver que el sea el primer Latino en ocupar esta posición,” dijo el Presidente de la Junta de Legisladores del Condado de Union, Sergio Granados.  “El ha sido mucho tiempo un pionero, y su liderazgo en el NJTPA ha ayudado al avance de $38 millones en los proyectos de las carreteras y puentes del Condado de Union que han actualizado nuestra red de transporte.”

El Legislador Estrada también felicitó al presidente  Peter Palmer, quien se jubiló de la Junta de Legisladores del Condado de Somerset  después de más de  50 años de servicio público en varias posiciones.

“En su largo servicio, Peter  ha proporcionado liderazgo en conseguir  muchos proyectos vitales, para mejorar el transporte en nuestra región y estado,” dijo el Presidente Estrada. “El ha sido un enérgico defensor para la mejora del tránsito, y merece todo nuestro agradecimiento.”

El Legislador Estrada ha sido miembro de la junta directiva del NJTPA desde el 2012  y ha servido como suplente en la Junta antes del 2012. También fue Presidente del Comité de Priorización de Proyectos del NJTPA desde el 2016, y anteriormente fue Presidente del Comité de Planificación y Desarrollo Económico en el 2014.

El Legislador Estrada emigró de Cuba hace  57 años y ha hecho de Elizabeth su hogar. Fue elegido a la Junta de Legisladores del Condado de Union en 1999 y tiene más de 35 años de experiencia en empresas y servicio público. Estrada es parte de la Junta Directiva de la Asociación Administrativa de Transporte EZ Ride.

Antes de ser elegido a la Junta de Legisladores, fue miembro de la Junta de Educación de Elizabeth y de la Autoridad de Vivienda de la Ciudad de Elizabeth. Estrada  es  ex-vice presidente de la Asociación Nacional de Oficiales de Condados Hispanos.

NJTPA Junta Directiva y Comité Ejecutivo

En la reunión del NJTPA  la Junta también seleccionó cuatro miembros del Comité Ejecutivo. Además del Legislador Estrada los miembros del Comité Ejecutivo son: Legislador del Condado de Hunterdon Matthew Holt, Primer  Vice-Presidente; Legislador del Condado de Passaic  John Bartlett, Segundo Vice-Presidente; y el Ejecutivo del Condado de Essex Joseph DiVincenzo, Secretario. De acuerdo con los estatutos, el Legislador Angel G. Estrada nombró a la Legisladora del Condado de Morris  Kathryn A. DeFillippo a la posición de Tercera Vice-Presidente.

El Comité Ejecutivo proporciona orientación y liderazgo a la Junta en una amplia gama de planificación, auntos politicos y administrativos. Se reune cuando  necesita  revisar los asuntos financieros, de personal y política. La membresía en la Junta es una posición no compensada.

El NJTPA es la organización de planificación metropolitana (MPO) para los  13 condados del norte de  New Jersey.  Bajo la legislación federal, los MPO  proporcionan un foro donde los funcionarios locales, los proveedores de transporte público y los representates  de la agencias estatales pueden unirse y planean las necesidades de transporte actual y futuras de la región.  

La Junta de la  NJTPA consiste de un oficial electo de cada uno de los 13 condados en la región. (Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union y Warren), y las ciudades de Newark y Jersey City. La Junta también incluye un Representante del Gobernador, el Comisionado del Departamento de Transporte de New Jersey, el Director Ejecutivo del NJ TRANSIT, el Presidente de la Autoridad del Puerto de  New York y New Jersey, y un Ciudadano Representante nombrado por el Gobernador.

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Union County 4-H Students Share Valentine’s Day Greetings with Air Force National Guard

Union County, NJ – Student members of the Union County 4-H Dog Lovers Club put their hearts and hands into a community service project last Saturday, silk screening and painting dozens of handmade Valentine’s Day cards for an Air Force National Guard company adopted by the club.

The company is stationed at McGuire Air Force Base and is currently deployed overseas.

Displaying a sample card alongside their mothers are club members Kaelin Tricoche (l.) and Emily Del Monte (r.).

A program of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County supported in part by the Freeholder Board, Union County 4-H Clubs foster leadership, civic engagement and other life skills for students in grades 1-12. For more information contact 4-H Agent Jim Nichnadowicz, jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org or 908-654-9854, or visit online at ucnj.org/rce.

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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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