County of Union, New Jersey

Union County 4-H Clubs are once again preparing for a new season of fun and learning. The organization will hold Club Night, a chance for all participants interested in signing up for a 4-H Club on Friday, September 23^rd from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Union County Vocational-Technical Magnet School, 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.

Students in grades 1-12 are encouraged to attend the event and see if any of the clubs listed are of interest to them. Clubs this year include Archery, Lego Robotics, Anime, Cooking, Horticulture, and more.  Club Night encourages those interested to meet club leaders, sign up for clubs, and learn more about Union County 4-H activities.

“The 4-H Clubs are a great part of our community. These clubs encourage young students to explore their passion while also connecting with others who feel the same way,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “The clubs teach the children many important life skills like organization, teamwork, and leadership. The Freeholder Board is proud to support 4-H and the enrichment it brings to the minds of young people.”

Union County 4-H Clubs are run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County. The U.S. Department of Agriculture originally established the 4-H clubs over 100 years ago in an effort to help rural communities learn important information about agriculture and family health.

The clubs have updated their topics over the years as a way to keep up with the ever-changing interests in society. The topics today integrate children from both urban and suburban communities.

This year’s club topics include Community Service, Dog Lovers, Tech, and more. There is also a Variety Club for students who wish to explore their own topics within the 4-H Club environment.

The 4-H Clubs are open for boys and girls in grades 1-12. The materials fee of $10.00 per club ($5.00 per additional club in the same family) is payable at Club Night.

Attendance to Club Night is by invitation only. To receive an invitation or more information about the program contact Union County 4-H Agent James Nichnadowicz at 908-654-9854 or jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org, or visit ucnj.org/rce.

The Union County 4-H Youth Development Program is looking for a volunteer to lead the 4-H Lego Robotics Club for this upcoming club season.

The volunteer should have experience building and programming Lego NXT Robots. They will help a group of eight 5^th and 6^th graders build and program their own robots throughout the year.

Club meetings are at the Colleen Fraser Building, 300 North Ave. East in Westfield once a month from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. from October to June. Teaching ideas and materials will be provided and the volunteer will work under the supervision of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension 4-H Youth Development Program of Union County.

For more information about this volunteer position contact 4-H Agent James Nichnadowicz at nichnadowicz@njaes.rutgers.edu or call him at 908-654-9854. Information about Union County 4-H Clubs can be found at ucnj.org/rce.

Tickets are now on sale for the Hayrides and Campfires event presented by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Union County Department of Parks & Recreation. Tickets will be sold at three locations throughout the county and must be purchased in advance, there will be no tickets sold on site. Tickets include the hayride, entertainment, and hot chocolate and marshmallows to toast over a campfire.

The Hayrides and Campfires will begin on Friday, September 16^th at Warinanco Park in the Boathouse Area at 6:30 pm.

“The hayrides and campfire events are always among the most popular events in our parks, so those interested in participating should get their tickets early and plan for a fun filled evening to begin the fall,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen.

Hayrides and Campfires will also take place at Trailside Nature & Science Center in Mountainside on Friday, October 7 and Friday, October 14, beginning at 6:30 pm, and on Sunday, October 2 at Trailside Nature & Science Center beginning at 3:30 pm.

Tickets are priced at $6.00 for Union County Resident, $12.00 for Non-Residents. Group sales are limited to 15 tickets.

Tickets will be on sale at the following locations and times:

• The Colleen Fraser Building, 300 North Avenue East in Westfield, Monday through Wednesday from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm; Thursday from 8:30 am to 7:00 pm; Friday from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm.
• Elizabeth Office, Union County Administration Building, 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 4:00 pm.
• Trailside Nature & Science Center, 452 New Providence Road, Mountainside from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm, Sunday through Saturday.

For further information you can call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-527-4900; or Trailside Nature and Science Center at 908-789-3670; or visit the Union County website at www.ucnj.org.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites all County residents and visitors to gather with veterans and their families at the plaza in front of the Union County Courthouse on Friday, September 16 at 11:00 a.m., and join in the annual POW/MIA Remembrance Day ceremony to honor prisoners of war and those missing in action. 

“The sacrifices of our military, and their families and loved ones, resonate through the generations,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “With this ceremony, we honor those who are absent, and we reaffirm our support for a full accounting of all POW/MIA.

The County Courthouse is located at 2 Broad Street in midtown Elizabeth, with convenient access to train and bus service. Ample public parking is available.

In case of rain, the ceremony will be moved inside to Courthouse Rotunda.

For more information about POW/MIA Remembrance Day in Union County, or to confirm your attendance, call the Freeholder offices at 908-527-4100.

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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 – Communications are often disrupted when a major storm hits, but Union County residents can help stay in touch with family members and friends by taking a few simple steps to prepare.

“This weekend we expect to see the after-effects of Tropical Storm Hermine, and it’s a timely reminder that our area has experienced some devastating storms in the past several years,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “It’s never too early to plan ahead, so you can stay informed and in touch in case of an emergency.”

Creating an emergency communication plan in advance allows families to collect important information like phone numbers, addresses, and medical information.

Bergen recommended getting started by using the easy-to-follow forms available for free download at the federal emergency planning website ready.gov.

“The free forms make it easy to keep track of the information you gather, and to ensure that you have covered all the bases,” said Bergen. “That includes making sure that you are signed up for emergency alerts and warnings.”

Union County residents automatically receive emergency alerts through land phones. Residents who use cell phones and tablets can also receive alerts by text message or email by signing up for UC First Alert.

September 4 marks the beginning of “Preparing Family and Friends,” the second week of National Preparedness Month.

National Preparedness Month is designed to encourage residents to prepare for a natural disaster or other emergency. Each week has a different theme with steps to follow.

“Preparing Family and Friends” week describes how to set up a communication plan before a natural disaster or other emergency hits. Families should discuss a plan about how the they will get emergency alerts and warnings, how to get in contact with each other should phone towers and the Internet go down, and where to meet before and after the emergency.

Families can also establish a safe place to go to if their home is not accessible. Meeting at a neighbor’s house, a family friend’s home, or a library are a few options that can be discussed.

Pets should be taken into consideration when discussing a meeting location because not all places may accept them. Everyone in the household should have a copy of the same information to prevent any confusion.

For more information about National Preparedness Month and the Ready campaign, visit ready.gov/september.

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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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The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is proud to present Family Fun Day on Saturday, September 24 to celebrate the opening of Union County’s first inclusive public playground. Family Fun Day will begin at 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., with an official opening ceremony and ribbon cutting at 1:00 p.m, at Mattano Park in Union County, NJ.

“The Freeholder Board is committed to providing children of all abilities and their families access to recreational opportunities,” said Freeholder Vice Chairman Sergio Granados, who is also the Freeholder liaison to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. “The new inclusive playground at Mattano Park, the first of its kind in a public park in Union County, will allow children to play and learn side by side with friends and family.”

Presented by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders in partnership with Elizabeth Port Parent Support Group, and sponsored by PepsiCo, the free event will include a BBQ, Family Field Day, and other kids’ activities.

Family Fun Day will also feature interactive workshops with the Eastwyck Saints football team as well as Elizabeth Youth Soccer, giving parents and children the opportunity to learn more about these sports activities.

Fun for all ages and abilities, the new inclusive playground at Mattano Park, located in Elizabeth, features a variety of accessible play equipment including a Merry-Go-All, Roller Slide, Roller Table, Swing Seats, and more.

For more information about the new inclusive playground at Mattano Park or the Family Fun Day event, contact the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-527-4900 or visit ucnj.org.

Roselle, NJ – On Tuesday, August 30, Union County Sheriff’s Detective James Miller, and Sheriff’s Investigators Kenneth Randazza and Keith Rhyner located and arrested Christian Pacheco, a 39-year-old male  Roselle resident on an outstanding warrant for eluding arrest. The warrant was from an incident on April 1st when the suspect led officers on a high-speed chase through Rahway and Linden.

After months of searching, Investigator Rhyner tracked Pacheco to an address in Roselle where he was found and taken into custody. The Sheriff’s Officers transported Pacheco to the Union County Jail and he was committed without incident.

The April incident began when Rahway Police Officer Andrew Webb stopped Pacheco for traveling 80 mph in a 45 mph zone. Pacheco then led the officer on a chase through Rahway and Linden. The pursuit was halted to concerns for public safety, with Pacheco eluding arrest.

Pacheco previously had a suspended New Jersey Driver’s License and was also wanted on an arrest warrant out of Weehawken.  

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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Mirabella set to receive award at Italian Tribune’s 46^th Annual Columbus Day Gala at Birchwood Manor in Parsipanny on October 7th

Freeholder Alexander Mirabella, who led the founding of the annual Union County Columbus Day Celebration, is being honored by the Italian Tribune with the “Christopher Columbus Man of the Year Award,” for his pride in his heritage and years of assisting others through his public service.

“It is presented to him with the deepest degree of pride and admiration for his success in both an outstanding career and in his charitable life,” said Italian Tribune Publisher A.J. “Buddy” Fortunato.

“I am truly honored to receive this award, and proud to continue our efforts in calling attention to the immeasurable contributions that Italian Americans make to our country,” Mirabella said. “I am deeply proud of my heritage, and am excited by the opportunity to participate in this program, and take time to reflect on our shared legacy.”

The award will be presented to Mirabella at the 46^th Annual Columbus Day Gala to be held on Friday, October 7^th, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Birchwood Manor, 111 North Jefferson Road in Whippany, New Jersey. For information on purchasing tickets for the event, please feel free to contact the Italian Tribune at (973) 860-0101.

MIRABELLA BIOGRAPHY
Originally born and raised in the City of Elizabeth and now a resident of Fanwood, Alexander Mirabella was first elected to the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders in 1997. He is now serving his seventh three-year term and has been the Board’s Chairman four times.

Tracing his heritage back to Messina, Sicily, Al’s late father, Gene Mirabella, was the first Italian-American Police of the City of Elizabeth’s Police Department, and has a firing range in Springfield named in his honor.  Al is also married to Phyllis LaVecchia, a first generation Italian American and former Roselle Park Councilwoman, whose family hails from Vallata, Italy. They have two children, Alex (a student at the College of New Jersey) and Micayla, who is currently studying at John Cabot University in Rome.

As Freeholder, he founded the County’s Annual Columbus Day Flag raising in 2009 with UNICO District X, which has featured prominent statewide speakers and Italian American organizations, and serves as a member of the Scotch Plains / Fanwood chapter of UNICO.

Freeholder Mirabella also helped implement the County’s Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund, sparking some of the largest increases in Union County parkland in generations. He developed the Sensory Friendly Theater program to provide cultural enrichment for persons with autism and other sensory sensitivities, and he oversaw the expansion of the County’s Office of Veterans Affairs, the creation of the County’s 9-11 Monument and the Board’s efforts in providing benefits for County workers called to active military duty.

Freeholder Mirabella’s other initiatives as Chairman of the Board, a position he’s held 4 times, include holding mobile Freeholder meetings in communities and assembling a shared services committee to streamline government and cut costs, while focusing on infrastructure planning, workforce development, and sustainability measures that helped to leverage millions of dollars in federal funds.

A staunch advocate of education, Freeholder Mirabella was recognized last year by the Union County College Foundation for his outstanding support of Union County College.  He was also instrumental in the implementation of the Union County Vocational / Technical High Schools and oversaw the creation of the Magnet HS, Academy for Information Technology, Allied Health Academy, UC Tech High School and the Academy for performing Arts – schools that are ranked among the best in the nation.

Other career highlights include the creation of the Union County Means Business Initiative, which includes business networking events, an online information hub and newsletter, a new workforce partnership with Union County College, and a special small business loan program through the Union County Economic Development Corporation.

Freeholder Mirabella has served on the Veterans Affairs Committee, the County’s Fiscal Committee, the Fire Services Advisory Board, and Union County Vocational-Technical School Board of Education. In 2007, he was awarded the prestigious Alan Augustine award from Union County’s Prevention Links in recognition of his work in drug and alcohol prevention. The Union County Library Directors honored him in 2001 for his advocacy on behalf of libraries, including development of grants to upgrade technology at 19 municipal libraries. He has also been honored by Community Access Unlimited for his efforts on behalf of the disabled and by the Raritan Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross (formerly Tri-County Red Cross) for his efforts in 2009 in securing grant money to train disaster volunteers.

Mirabella proudly serves as the Township Manager in Scotch Plains, New Jersey where he manages a $25 million dollar budget and introduced a budget which has had a decrease in the Municipal tax rate.  Since he assumed this leadership position, he has improved communication, increased the number of grant opportunities, improved the township infrastructure, enhanced public safety, improved employee morale and reorganized the Township Leadership team. 

Previous to his tenure on the Freeholder Board, he was twice elected as Councilman at Large in Borough of Roselle Park (1991 – 1996), serving and Fire Commissioner, Council President and Acting Mayor. He graduated from Hobart College in Geneva, N.Y. with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics.