County of Union
Union County Freeholder Dan Sullivan (center) with veteran Finance Department employees, l. Frank Padusniak, Comptroller, and r. Joseph Bowe, Director of the Division of the Treasurer, celebrating their planned retirements later this year.
UNION, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that the 2013 Teen Arts Touring Exhibit is on display at the Union Center National Bank, located at 2003 Morris Avenue in Union. It will be on display through July 8th during regular bank hours.
The exhibit consists of 55 pieces of art selected from more than 650 visual art works shown at the 2013 Union County Teen Arts Festival held in March at Union County College. The annual event is administered by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs in the Department of Parks and Community Renewal.
“The artwork in this exhibit is exceptional. The fact that the artists are teenagers makes the show even more outstanding,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter. “I encourage everyone to get out and see this fun, lively exhibit as it goes on tour throughout Union County.”
For information about the Teen Arts program contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth 07202; telephone (908) 558-2550. NJ Relay service users should call 711 or email: culturalinfo@ucnj.org.
2013 TEEN ARTS EXHIBIT – The exhibiting students are:
Berkeley Heights
Columbia Middle School
Alice Gao
Governor Livingston High School
Michael Horwath
Clark
Mother Seton RHS
Nathalia Palacios
Elizabeth
Abraham Lincoln School
Evelyn Huiloti
Benedictine Academy
Angie Mery
Charles Hudson School
Isidra Alvarado Vasques
Dr. Orlando Edreira School
Jezebel Jimenez
Elizabeth HS – Dwyer House
Jefferson Torres
Elizabeth HS – Edison House
Robert McCall
Elizabeth HS – Hamilton Academy
Evelyn Lopez
Elizabeth HS – Jefferson House
Chrysthel Jean-Louis
David Simancas
Cindy Montalvo
Elizabeth HS – Lower Academy
Yilian Borroto
Elizabeth HS – Upper Academy
Nicole Capelo
Sung Soon DeSouza
Elmora School
Jayline Rodriguez
Louveture-Lafayette School
Katuiska Zuniga
Mabel G. Holmes School
Santiago Hoyos
Nicholas M. Butler School
Ramon Rivera
Nicholas S. LaCorte School
Oscar Heredia
T.C. Reilly School
Eqequiel Carvalo
William F. Halloran School
Harmonie Garcia
Woodrow Wilson School
Irene Negron
Hillside
Hillside HS
Kameron Kee
Walter O. Krumbiegel MS
Samantha Felipe
Kenilworth
David Brearley HS
Erick Soriano
Melissa Dudukvich
Linden
Linden HS
Adrianna Rendon
Kylie Vorob
McManus MS
Kara Depczynski
Soehl MS
Nicholas Francisco
Mountainside
Deerfield MS
Isabella DiCosmo
New Providence
New Providence HS
Adrienne Cirotti
Christie Shaw
New Providence MS
Licheng Yang
Plainfield
Cook School
Fritz Mersola
Plainfield Academy of Arts
Sebastian Nunez
Gabrielle Lugbauer
Plainfield HS
Erika Jackson
Union County TEAMS Charter School
Gabrielle Labady
Stephany Vargas
Roselle
Abraham Clark HS
Zulis Linares
Ti-Reece Vaughn
Grace Wilday Jr. HS
Agape DeLeon
Scotch Plains
Union County Vo-Tech HS
Bre’on Johnson
Austin McCaffrey
Summit
Oratory Preparatory School
Alex McDonald
Union
Union HS
Wislet Dazime
Armando Flores
Westfield
Hillcrest Academy South
Kadeem Venus
Lamberts Mill Academy
Genesis Malacara
Winfield
Winfield School
Corey Hallari
Union County Freeholders Bette Jane Kowalski (L), Vernell Wright and Mohamed Jalloh (R) present a resolution to Union Police Sgt. Robert J. Christie commending him and the Union Township Police Department for their commitment to the disabled residents through their support of a campaign to prevent unlawful parking in spaces reserved for people with disabilities. They are joined by Charles Newman from the Union County Office for the Disabled. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)
ELIZABETH, NJ—Citing a combination of increasing efficiency in the way employees are utilizing their healthcare benefits and greater network discounts offered through the County’s healthcare vendor, the Union County Freeholder Board voted to renew its contract with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey to provide the County of Union with health and prescription coverage at a savings of $2.2 million
The renewal begins on July 1st this year and runs for a year, and is approximately a 4.1 percent decrease over the previous contract year. The reduction is a budgetary savings for the County, and a savings for employees in their premium cost. It also bucks the trend of increasing healthcare costs over the past decade.
“This is great news and is a win-win situation for our budget and for our employees who will pay less,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter. “Our renewal negotiations have paid off, and our provider has stepped forward to the plate with a good deal for Union County.”
Administrative Services Director Matt Di Rado noted the County has worked with its employees and Unions in a number of areas to economize on its healthcare costs and implement wellness programs. Some of the steps include:
Additionally, Di Rado noted that in 2013, Summit Medical Group—one of the County’s largest employers—joined the Horizon network, which has had a positive impact on claims. In other areas, costs are also being driven down as the County encourages employees to utilize both generic drugs and filling prescriptions through the mail. Contracts are also being negotiated with bargaining units to provide concessions to drive more employees in network, which will continue to save costs in the future, he added.
A recent article in the New York Times (“Slowdown in Health Costs’ Rise May Last as Economy Revives” May 6, 2013) stated major new studies from researchers at Harvard University, the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation and elsewhere have concurred that healthcare costs are beginning to slow down, and at least some of the slowdown is unrelated to the past recession, and might persist as the economy recovers. The article also noted that there could be some variability as provisions from the Affordable Care Act continue to kick in.
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Union County Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski (R) speaks with Shirley Boyden Maxwell, president of the Kenilworth Historical Society, outside the newly restored historic Oswald J. Nitschke House (c. 1880) at 49 South 21 Street in Kenilworth. The Kenilworth Historical Society hosted an “Open House” on June 15 in celebration of the Flag Day weekend. A major portion of the interior restoration work was carried out with the help of “Preserve Union County” grant funds. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)
Union County Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski (C) looks at an Eastern Eyed Click Beetle Natalie Salinardo (L) of Cranford found during the 9th Annual Union County Bio-Blitz in Lenape Park in Cranford. They are joined by Karen Inzillo, a naturalist with the Union County Trailside Nature and Science Center. Bio-Blitz is a 24-hour sampling of the flora and fauna in a particular location with the twin goals of studying the biodiversity of the area and making the public aware of that diversity. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)
The exhibit will be on display until July 14 at Liberty Hall Center which is located at 1085 Morris Avenue in Union. Viewing times are from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
Union County Freeholder Vernell Wright congratulates John Biel of Westfield on winning first place in the non-professional mixed media category
Union County Freeholder Vernell Wright (L) congratulates Eileen Bonacci of Berkeley Heights on winning first place in the professional mixed media category
Union County Freeholder Vernell Wright congratulates Henry Buntin of Berkeley Heights on winning first place in the non-professional acrylic category
Union County Freeholder Vernell Wright congratulates Richard Earl of Westfield on winning first place in the professional photography category and Best in Show
Union County Freeholder Vernell Wright (R) congratulates Donna Farrell of Linden on winning first place in the non-professional photography category and Best in Show
Union County Freeholder Vernell Wright (R) congratulates Roberta Frimpter of Rahway on winning first place in the non-professional drawing category
Union County Freeholder Vernell Wright (R) congratulates Lynn Shereshewsky of Westfield on winning first place in the non-professional craft category
Union County Freeholder Vernell Wright (L) congratulates Pauli Verridicci of Springfield on winning first place in the non-professional sculpture category
Union County, NJ – The Union County Rape Crisis Center is currently seeking volunteers to serve as advocates for victims of sexual assault. The volunteer advocacy program, which is run by the Union County Department of Human Services, has provided thousands of residents with support and guidance since its inception in 1984.
“This invaluable community service would not be possible without a network of dedicated volunteers, and the Freeholder Board is very proud of them,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter. “Our volunteer advocates help guide victims through legal and medical systems while providing emotional support, respecting the strict confidentiality of each case.”
No previous experience in counseling is necessary. Volunteers at the Rape Crisis Center receive a thorough training course. Volunteers must also be age 18 or over and have their own transportation.
Volunteer Advocates most often provide guidance over the phone. In some cases, the Advocate may accompany a victim to the police station, hospital or courtroom.
Advocates may also offer support and guidance to family members, loved ones or friends, if requested by the victim.
The next volunteer recruiting sequence is currently under way, beginning with initial interviews for prospective volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering, call the Union County Rape Crisis Center at 908-233-7273 to schedule an interview over the summer.
The training starts this fall for qualified volunteers. The course consists of two sessions per week from September 3 to October 31, from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. All sessions will be held at the County services building in Westfield, at 300 North Avenue East.
For more information about the Rape Crisis Center call 908-233-7273 or visit the Rape Crisis Center blog,unioncountyrapecrisiscenter.blogspot.com.
Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that income-eligible senior adults can obtain free vouchers to purchase “Jersey Fresh” fruits, vegetables and herbs at local Farmers’ Markets in Union County.
“This popular program supports local agriculture while helping to provide seniors on a budget with the opportunity to try a wide variety of fresh, nutritious produce, and Union County is very proud to support it,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter.
The vouchers are funded by the State of New Jersey 2013 Farmers’ Market Program, through the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection in the Department of Human Services. Each eligible senior will receive four vouchers worth $5.00 each, for a total of $20.00.
The program was designed in four increments to enable seniors to purchase produce in smaller amounts, helping to ensure freshness.
To be eligible for the vouchers, an individual must be a resident of Union County, age 60 years or older, and have an annual income not exceeding $21,257.
For a married couple, the annual income cannot exceed $28,694.
To apply for the vouchers, fill out an advance registration form available at any local Senior Nutrition site or Senior Center after June 14.
The vouchers will be distributed at the sites listed below. To pick up your vouchers, you must present proof of income such as a Medicaid card, SSI card, Food Stamp (now SNAP program) verification, or annual pension and Social Security statement.
At some of the sites as noted, a Farmers’ Market vendor will be present and produce will be available for purchase with vouchers or with cash.
Tuesday, June 18 from 9:30 am to 11:30 am
Liberty Square Senior Center, 240 Elizabeth Avenue, Elizabeth
Thursday, June 20 from 9:30 am to 11:30 am
Peterstown Senior Center, 418-34 Palmer Street, Elizabeth
Monday, June 24 from 9:30 am to 11:30 am
Stephen Sampson Senior Center, 800 Anna Street, Elizabeth
Tuesday, June 25 from 9:00 am to12:00 noon
Ford Leonard Apartments, 69 Division Street, Elizabeth
Monday, July 8 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am
O’Donnell-Dempsey Senior Center, 622 Salem Avenue, Elizabeth (farmer will be present)
Wednesday, July 10 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Casano Community Center, 314 Chestnut Street, Roselle Park (farmer will be present at the Gazebo, Chestnut Street and East Grand Avenue)
Monday, July 15 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am
Ann Ferguson Towers, 1601 Dill Avenue, Linden (farmer will be present)
Tuesday, July 16 from 9:30 am to 11:30 am
Hillside Senior Center, 265 Hollywood Avenue, Hillside
Thursday, July 18 from 9:30 am to 11:30 am
Westfield Senior Center, 558 W. Broad Street, Westfield
Wednesday, July 24 from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon
Plainfield Senior Center, 400 E. Front Street, Plainfield (farmer will be present)
Monday, July 29 from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon
Pinewood Hall, 250 W. 2nd Avenue, Roselle (farmer will be present)
Wednesday, July 31 from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon
Golden Age Towers, 200 E. Milton Street, Rahway (farmer will be present)
The Farmers’ Market Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and coordinated by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services.
For more information about the Farmers’ Market voucher program, contact Kathleen Malkiewicz, 908-527-4877. For information on other Union County senior nutrition programs and all senior services, call the Union County Division on Aging toll free at1-888-280-8226 or visit online at ucnj.org.
The New Jersey Department of Health has identified a person confirmed of having measles who may have exposed people at BJ’s Wholesale Club on June 3.
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that can cause serious medical complications. As a result, DOH recommends that anyone who visited BJ’s Wholesale Club, 1601 U.S. 22, Watchung, on Monday, June 3 between 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m., contact a health provider immediately to discuss potential exposure and risk of developing the illness.
Anyone who suspects an exposure is urged to call a health care provider before going to a medical office or emergency room. Special arrangements can be made for you to be evaluated while also protecting other patients and medical staff from possible infection. People exposed at BJ’s Wholesale Club may develop symptoms as early as June 8 and as late as June 24. Measles symptoms include rash, high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes.
“We urge everyone to check to make sure they and their family members are up-to-date on measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine and all other age-appropriate immunizations. Getting vaccinated not only protects you, it protects others around you who are too young to get the vaccine or can’t receive it for medical reasons. Two doses of measles vaccine is more than 99 percent effective in preventing measles,” said Dr. Christina Tan, state epidemiologist.
“And if you’re planning an international trip, the World Health Organization recommends that adults or adolescents unsure of their immune status get a dose of measles vaccine before traveling,” she added.
Measles is easily spread through the air when an infected person talks, coughs or sneezes. People can also get sick when they come in contact with mucus or saliva from an infected person. Anyone who hasn’t been vaccinated or has not had measles is at risk if they are exposed to the virus.
Measles can cause serious complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis (swelling of the brain) in 20 percent of patients, especially children under 5 and adults older than 20. Measles infection in a pregnant woman can lead to miscarriage, premature birth or a low-birth weight baby.
DOH is working with local health departments to locate the patient’s contacts.
For more information about measles, contact your health care provider or visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s web site at www.cdc.gov/measles.