County of Union

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that, through a series of informative sessions beginning February 21, senior adults will now be able to obtain help in applying for a variety of federal, state and local government assistance programs through their local library or community center.

“The Freeholder Board recognizes how difficult it can be to navigate some of these assistance programs,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter. “We hope that these informative sessions will reinforce our commitment to Union County’s seniors and help them maintain the best quality of life possible.”

As part of the program, the Union County Department of Human Services and Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC), will help seniors apply for programs including gas and electric support (LIFE LINE), pharmaceutical assistance (PAAD), and, home energy assistance (HEAP). There will also be screening for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) eligibility, and information about the Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP).

Assistance will be available at the following locations:

• Thursday, February 21, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Peterstown Community Center, Fourth and Palmer Streets, Elizabeth.

• Tuesday, February 26, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Berkeley Heights Public Library, 290 Plainfield Avenue, Berkeley Heights.

• Thursday, March 7, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Hillside Public Library, John F. Kennedy Plaza, Hillside.

• Tuesday, March 19, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Cranford Community Center, 220 Walnut Street, Cranford.

• Wednesday, March 20 from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 P.m. at the Clark Library, 303 Westfield Avenue, Clark.

The Union County Division on Aging is one of 670 nationwide “area agencies on aging” established under the federal Older Americans Act. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, 12.7 percent of Union County’s 536,499 residents are over age 65. With the exception of Elizabeth and Plainfield, 19 of the County’s 21 municipalities have a population that includes more than 11% of their population in the “65 and older” age bracket.

In 2012, the division was renamed to become the Division on Aging and Disability Resource (ADRC) in compliance with a state initiative to better serve elderly and disabled populations.

The Division’s goal is to promote wellness, independence, dignity and choice for seniors and their families through services like care management for the state’s Medicaid Waiver Programs, Global Options, and for the Jersey Assistance for Community Caregiving Program (JACC),.

Other services and programs include Information and Assistance; the State Respite Program (SRP); and Nutrition programs, including home-delivered and congregate meals, the Farmers Market food voucher program, and nutrition education for seniors.

For further information about the Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection, call the division’s toll-free number: 1-888-280-8226, or visit the Union County government website at www.ucnj.org. Printed information is available in both English and Spanish.

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MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – “Beyond Just Riding” is a series of five winter classes being offered for participants ages nine through adult on Sundays at Watchung Stable in Mountainside. Sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal, the classes will be on Sunday mornings from January 27 through February 24.

“Kiddie Clinics” will be offered on three Saturday mornings for children ages three through eight to expand their knowledge of horses. These specialized non-riding mini-clinics will be on three Saturdays: January 26, February 2 and February 9.

“We are pleased to continue these programs at Watchung Stable that explore different equestrian topics with no actual riding,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter. “The clinics will help people learn simple behaviors of the horse and what it actually takes to own your own horse.”

Each “Beyond Just Riding” session will last 90 minutes and will focus on one of a variety of horse and horsemanship topics. Participants, ages nine through adult, are invited to register for as many classes as they would like. All riding levels are welcome. The sessions will be held in the barn or the lecture area of the stable. The cost is $20 per person for each 90-minute class.

The winter “Beyond Just Riding” classes are being offered as follows:

• Jan. 27     10 to 11:30 a.m. Grooming and Tacking Up;
• Feb. 3       10 to 11:30 a.m. Behavior of Horses;
• Feb. 10     10 to 11:30 a.m. Basic Tack and Care of Tack;
• Feb. 17     10 to 11:30 a.m. Advanced Grooming;
• Feb. 24     10 to 11:30 a.m. What It Takes to Own a Horse.

The Saturday morning “Kiddie Clinics” for children ages three through eight are one-hour sessions designed to introduce youngsters to the Watchung Stable and the world of horses. Each of the three clinics is offered on the three Saturdays. “Just the Two of Us” grooming sessions are included so a parent and child can participate together. The clinics will be held in the barn or the lecture area of the stable. The cost is $10 per person for each one-hour clinic.

Each of the Kiddie Clinics will be offered on Jan. 26, Feb. 2 and Feb. 9 at the following times:

• 9 to 10 a.m. – Mini-Grooming: for children ages 6-8;
• 10 to 11 a.m. – Colorful World of Horses: children ages 6-8 learn about different breeds;
• 11 a.m. to noon – Just the Two of Us: mini-grooming for children ages 3-5 with a parent.

 

Space is limited for the “Beyond Just Riding” classes and the “Kiddie Clinics” and in-person pre-registration is required at Watchung Stable, located at 1160 Summit Lane in Mountainside. For further information, call the Watchung Stable office at 908-789-3665 or e-mail your question to stablequestions@ucnj.org

 

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For more information on any Union County press release, please contact Sebastian D’Elia, Communications Director for the County of Union, or a designee listed at the top of this press release. Please join the County of Union online at www.ucnj.org, on Facebook at www.ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj .

 

Union County, NJ — Specially trained, chainsaw-equipped volunteers have been hard at work in the Union County parks system, clearing fallen trees from Superstorm Sandy away from popular walking trails. Pictured here, a group of volunteers takes a break from clearing the trail around Lake Surprise in the Watchung Reservation (front row, l-r Marc Grobman of Fanwood, Peter Axelrod of Berkeley Heights, Evelyn Morton of Cranford, Chris Auda of Westfield; back row, l-r Larry Russo of Cranford, Bob Czaja of Scotch Plains, Ned O’Connell of Scotch Plains, Michael Auda of Westfield and Marcus Jones of Summit.  Not pictured: Jean Jones of Summit and Karen Chmelar of Summit). To join the Union County Adopt-a-Trail/Adopt-a-Park programs contact the Department of Parks and Community Renewal, 908-789-3683 or visit ucnj.org.

Union County Sheriff Ralph Froehlich speaks at the Mayors Against Illegal Guns press conference January 14 at the Cranford municipal building where law enforcement and elected officials urged federal lawmakers to “pass sensible gun laws.” Twelve mayors from New Jersey will travel to Washington, D.C. on January 16 to meet with members of Congress. Also pictured, from 2nd left, are State Senator Raymond Lesniak, Roselle Mayor Jamel Holley, Fanwood Mayor Colleen Mahr and Assemblywoman Linda Stender.  (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

 

For more information on any Union County press release, please contact Sebastian D’Elia, Communications Director for the County of Union, or a designee listed at the top of this press release.   Please join the County of Union online at www.ucnj.org

On Facebook at www.ucnj.org/facebook

On Twitter at http://twitter.com/countyofunionnj

Union County, NJ – With a powerful flu season in full swing throughout New Jersey and most of the country, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders reminds residents that the County home page, ucnj.org, now includes a one-stop link for easy access to information about preventing and treating the flu, including an online vaccination location finder.

The direct link is ucnj.org/what-to-do-about-the-flu.

“We’ve compiled material from the Centers for Disease Control and other sources that provide solid, reliable guidance on how to prevent the flu, and how to help the recovery process along if you catch it,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter. “I urge all County residents to take a few minutes and visit ucnj.org/what-to-do-about-the-flu, to stay informed and aware.”

The flu is caused by a virus that spreads through droplets from the nose and mouth. When people cough or sneeze, the droplets spread through the air and can make other people sick. The flu virus can also live on objects such as a table or phone, and enter a person’s body when they touch the object and then touch their nose, eyes, or mouth.

The flu spreads easily from person to person. You can spread the flu even before you know you are sick and for a week after you get sick.

To help your family avoid the flu, you can do the following:

• Getting a flu vaccine is the best way to prevent the flu. Flu season will probably last a few more months, so it’s not too late to get a vaccine. It can be given as a shot or a nose spray.

• Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds many times during the day. If you do not have soap and water, use a hand sanitizer and rub your hands together for 20 seconds.

• Always cover your cough and sneeze with a tissue. Throw the tissue away and wash your hands. If you do not have a tissue, cough into your elbow.

• Stay home if you feel sick. Keep children at home and away from other people if they do not feel well.

• Try not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.

• Try to avoid close contact with sick people. Wear a mask if you must be near sick people.

Carter also suggested that residents check their medicine cabinets and make sure they have a thermometer, fever reducers and any other necessary over-the-counter medications on hand.

In addition to ucnj.org/what-to-do-about-the-flu, many more details about flu prevention and treatment are available from the Centers for Disease Control at www.flu.gov.

 

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ELIZABETH, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi is pleased to offer a free 2013 wall calendar that honors former State Senators and Assembly members from Union County and includes important dates of concern to voters and candidates for office in this year’s gubernatorial, legislative, county and local elections.

“Union County – which was part of Essex County until 1857 – is a Who’s Who of historically significant individuals,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “It is my hope that this 2013 calendar, with its vintage photographs of State Legislators, honors the men and women who served the people of Union County so well for the past six decades.”

Since 2013 is a gubernatorial and legislative election year that also will have elections for county, municipal and school offices, the calendar highlights many important dates relating to voter registration, mail-in ballots, candidate petition deadlines, primary elections, campaign finance reports, and general election ballot deadlines.

To obtain one of the free 2013 Election Year calendars, visit the Union County Clerk’s web site:www.ucnj.org/government/county-clerk where you’ll find an order form. For general information about elections, please contact the County Clerk’s Election Office at 908-527-4996.

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For more information on any Union County press release, please contact Sebastian D’Elia, Communications Director for the County of Union, or a designee listed at the top of this press release. Please join the County of Union online at www.ucnj.org, on Facebook at www.ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj .

Guest Speaker: Marty Appel, Yankees Historian & Former PR Director

 

Student athletes from schools in Union County will be honored at the 77th Annual Hot Stove League Baseball Dinner on Sunday, February 10, beginning at 1:00 p.m. at the L’Affaire Banquet Center, 1099 Route 22 East, in Mountainside. The dinner is sponsored by the Union County Baseball Association, in cooperation with the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal.

Among the students to be honored for their athletic achievements are:

• ­Chris Folinusz, catcher for Cranford High School (Class of 2013); selected 1st Team, All-State; and Union County Player of the Year (2012).
• Khaseem Greene, a graduate of Elizabeth High School; All-American linebacker at Rutgers; Big East defensive player of the year (2011 and 2012).
• Jenna Kulback, catcher for Gov. Livingston High School in Berkeley Heights (Class of 2012); guided team to second straight Union County Tournament championship.
• James O’Rourke, a 1st Team, All-State centerfielder for Westfield High School (Class of 2012); now attending Gettysburg College.
• Shannon Syciarz of Garwood, graduate of A.L. Johnson Reg. High School in Clark and The College of New Jersey; twice All-NJAC field hockey goaltender of the year.

 

The Union County Baseball Association also will induct three new members into the Union County Baseball Hall of Fame during the award ceremonies:

• Bill Dolan, an All-State catcher at Rahway High School, an All-American at Monmouth University, and Rahway varsity baseball coach (1972 to 2000).
• Jim Riccitelli, a shortstop, catcher and pitcher at Roselle Park High School and the first Kean player to sign a professional baseball contract (Baltimore Orioles, 1976).
• George Virgilio, a second baseman at Elizabeth High School (1987-89); played in the Atlanta Braves, Montreal Expos and Baltimore Orioles organizations.

 

“We’re delighted to honor so many deserving athletes from throughout Union County at this year’s Hot Stove Awards Dinner,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter. “I hope that family members and friends of all the honorees will enjoy the Sunday afternoon ceremonies and support youth baseball in Union County.”

Marty Appel, the long-time Yankees historian and former director of Public Relations, will be the special guest speaker. Mr. Appel began his tenure with the Yankees handling fan mail for Mickey Mantle. He is the author of 18 books, including the New York Times bestseller, “Munson,” and “Pinstripe Empire” – the definitive history of the New York Yankees.

In addition to the new Hall of Fame inductees, the Hot Stove League Baseball Dinner also will honor local American Legion Baseball players and athletes from youth baseball leagues for their achievements in 2012.

Tickets for the dinner are $40 each and can be purchased online by visiting www.ucba-nj.org or by downloading and mailing the table registration form to the Union County Baseball Association, Box 176, Fanwood, New Jersey 07023. Proceeds will help fund the Union County Summer Youth Baseball League for youngsters 8 to 15 years, and the Fall Teen League.

Since 1937, the Hot Stove League Dinner has been the primary fund-raising effort for the Union County Baseball Association’s summer and fall programs. Over the years, the awards dinner has honored many local and national baseball luminaries – including Phil Rizzuto of Hillside, Don Newcombe of Elizabeth, Joe Collins of Union, Jeff Torborg of Mountainside, Willie Wilson of Summit, Jake Wood of Elizabeth, and Elliott Maddox of Union.

For more information, please call Jim Iozzi at 908-917-2523.

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For more information on any Union County press release, please contact Sebastian D’Elia, Communications Director for the County of Union, or a designee listed at the top of this press release. Please join the County of Union online at www.ucnj.org, on Facebook at www.ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj .

Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders

Union County Freeholder Linda Carter (C) of Plainfield is sworn in as the 2013 Chairman of the Freeholder Board by Plainfield Municipal Judge Joan Robinson Gross during the county’s 156th annual reorganization meeting on January 6 at the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth. Holding the Bible is the Freeholder Carter’s mother, Adele Carter.

Union County Freeholder Christopher Hudak is sworn in as the Vice Chairman of the Freeholder Board by Superior Court Judge William Daniel during the county’s 156th annual reorganization meeting on January 6 at the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth. Holding the Bible are Freeholder Hudak’s wife Terri, their daughter Catherine Reilly and, his parents John and Susan Hudak.

Union County Freeholder Alexander Mirabella of Fanwood is sworn in to begin a new term as Freeholder by State Senator Raymond Lesniak during the 156th annual reorganization meeting on January 6 in the Union County Courthouse. His wife Phyllis and their children, Alex and Micayla, held the Bible.

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi administers the oath of office to Freeholder Bruce H. Bergen of Springfield during the 156th annual reorganization meeting on January 6 in the Union County Courthouse. Holding the Bible are the Freeholder’s wife Jodi and their daughter Stefanie and son Ross.

The Honorable Abubakar Jalloh administers the oath of office to Union County Freeholder Mohamed S. Jalloh of Roselle during the 156th annual reorganization meeting on January 6 in the Union County Courthouse. Holding the Bible are the Freeholder’s wife Maria, his parents Abdulai Ben Jalloh and Bernice Martina Jalloh, and Anita Eldridge.

 

As Initiatives During 156th Annual Reorganization

Freeholders Mirabella and Jalloh start new terms, Freeholder Bergen starts first term; Carter becomes First African American Woman Chairman of Board in County history

 

UNION COUNTY COURTHOUSE, ELIZABETH—Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter today announced a series of five initiatives entitled “Helping our Families and Empowering Women” that are designed to jumpstart economic growth and help business, provide jobs training, improve public safety, encourage green practices and assist women.

Carter, a resident of Plainfield, was selected as Chairman of the Union County Freeholder Board for the first time in her career at the 156th annual reorganization meeting held in the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth. Carter becomes the first African American woman to ever lead the Union County Freeholder Board.

“I appreciate your confidence and look forward to working with you and our entire County family of employees to serve our residents and move our initiatives forward this New Year,” said Carter as she accepted the nomination. “For as Shirley Chisholm, the first African American woman to serve in the United States Congress once said, ‘Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this earth.’ ”

Carter went on to outline her priorities.

“We must continue to be proactive in addressing our public safety and emergency management concerns,” Carter said. “We must also continue to make economic progress and provide opportunities for our residents, while promoting the green economy.”

Looking ahead at the new budgetary cycle, Carter also called upon the Policy Committee to conduct an exhaustive review of all workforce and operational policies to ensure our government operates in the most efficient and economic manner possible.

Freeholder Alexander Mirabella, of Fanwood, and Freeholder Mohamed S. Jalloh, of Union, were sworn in to new terms and Freeholder Bruce Bergen, of Springfield, was sworn in to his first term. Freeholder Christopher Hudak, of Linden, was appointed Vice Chairman of the Freeholder Board.

Freeholders also voted to fill numerous positions on County advisory boards and to adopt the board’s 2013 schedule and procedural rules.

 

“HELPING OUR FAMILIES AND ASSISTING WOMEN” INITIATIVES:”

• Establish the Union County Mayor’s Emergency Management group, which was formed during Hurricane Sandy, as a permanent platform for communication. During its last meeting, the group discussed a wide range of recommendations to explore in several critical areas that can be implemented in 2013 to improve emergency response.

• Conduct a Countywide gun buyback program through County Police. While a gun buyback may not be a cure-all, Carter noted that’s as “leaders, we owe it to our residents to pursue all the strategies available at our disposal.” This includes supporting Assemblyman Cryan’s statewide legislation to limit the capacity of certain gun magazines in New Jersey.

• Jobs training and business assistance. Implement “Union County Choices,” a targeted jobs training program involving Union County College. Union County Choices is designed to provide a range of services targeted to middle skills and sector training. This program will give residents Choices focused on Union County’s priority economic development sectors. Courses would be in the priority fields of Healthcare/Allied Health, Transportations and logistics, and Retail/Hospitality. In the first instance, the County has worked with Union County College and the Community College Consortium to design four courses and two programs that should launch by February. The County is also developing an additional set of foundational courses covering basic—but valuable—elements related to health and safety.

• Continue the very successful “Union County Means Business” program by hosting an additional four forums. One of these forums will focus on the specific needs of women in business. The others will soon be determined through a survey which is currently underway. We also plan to host two industry specific roundtable discussions with assistance from New Jersey Talent Networks. These will be invitation only sessions with key business leaders in selected industries.

• Meet with municipal Library Directors to develop business friendly endeavors such as seminars for small businesses, and raise awareness about existing services for small business.

• Finally, the County will encourage businesses to go green to save green. This year, our Bureau of Recycling and Planning has received a grant that will enable it to conduct outreach to businesses on the benefits of recycling. The planned outreach will address not only what and how to recycle, but how recycling can actually save money.

• Several green initiatives: First, the County, through the Union County Improvement Authority, will explore a Community Energy Aggregation program designed to leverage the purchasing power of residents, business and governments to purchase low-cost electricity. If the program is implemented, Union County residents, businesses and governments could save as much as 15 percent on the electrical bills.

• Next, the County will take the lead in undertaking the development and implementation of a local government Energy Efficiency assistance program under the Energy Savings Improvement Program Law known as ESIP. The ESIP Law is an extremely valuable tool that allows local governments and boards of education to reduce energy consumption through the installation of energy efficient boilers, lights and HVAC equipment. It allows for financing these upgrades with the resulting operating budget savings generated by the newly installed equipment.

• In an attempt to raise awareness countywide, we will double-purpose the Public Information Van as the Union County Green Information Van. We will design a series of small cardstock flyers that link all of the sustainability-related programs in our departments and affiliates under one visual umbrella. At least one of those flyers will be designed as a shared service that our municipalities, businesses and other entities can use as a promotional tool in support of their green projects. The van will also receive one of the County’s first informational touch screen kiosks.

• Pursue a partnership with a local Domestic Violence Shelter for battered women, our County College and Vo-Tech to provide training programs enabling these women to enter or re-enter the workforce and become self-sustaining and independent.

“We need to unlock the inner potential of these women, and we as a society will be better for it,” Carter noted. “For as Maya Angelou, once said, “’there is no greater agony than bearing an untold story in you.’’

As Initiatives During 156th Annual Reorganization

Freeholders Mirabella and Jalloh start new terms, Freeholder Bergen starts first term; Carter becomes First African American Woman Chairman of Board in County history

 

UNION COUNTY COURTHOUSE, ELIZABETH—Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter today announced a series of five initiatives entitled “Helping our Families and Empowering Women” that are designed to jumpstart economic growth and help business, provide jobs training, improve public safety, encourage green practices and assist women.

Carter, a resident of Plainfield, was selected as Chairman of the Union County Freeholder Board for the first time in her career at the 156th annual reorganization meeting held in the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth. Carter becomes the first African American woman to ever lead the Union County Freeholder Board.

“I appreciate your confidence and look forward to working with you and our entire County family of employees to serve our residents and move our initiatives forward this New Year,” said Carter as she accepted the nomination. “For as Shirley Chisholm, the first African American woman to serve in the United States Congress once said, ‘Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this earth.’ ”

Carter went on to outline her priorities.

“We must continue to be proactive in addressing our public safety and emergency management concerns,” Carter said. “We must also continue to make economic progress and provide opportunities for our residents, while promoting the green economy.”

Looking ahead at the new budgetary cycle, Carter also called upon the Policy Committee to conduct an exhaustive review of all workforce and operational policies to ensure our government operates in the most efficient and economic manner possible.

Freeholder Alexander Mirabella, of Fanwood, and Freeholder Mohamed S. Jalloh, of Union, were sworn in to new terms and Freeholder Bruce Bergen, of Springfield, was sworn in to his first term. Freeholder Christopher Hudak, of Linden, was appointed Vice Chairman of the Freeholder Board.

Freeholders also voted to fill numerous positions on County advisory boards and to adopt the board’s 2013 schedule and procedural rules.

 

“HELPING OUR FAMILIES AND ASSISTING WOMEN” INITIATIVES:”

• Establish the Union County Mayor’s Emergency Management group, which was formed during Hurricane Sandy, as a permanent platform for communication. During its last meeting, the group discussed a wide range of recommendations to explore in several critical areas that can be implemented in 2013 to improve emergency response.

• Conduct a Countywide gun buyback program through County Police. While a gun buyback may not be a cure-all, Carter noted that’s as “leaders, we owe it to our residents to pursue all the strategies available at our disposal.” This includes supporting Assemblyman Cryan’s statewide legislation to limit the capacity of certain gun magazines in New Jersey.

• Jobs training and business assistance. Implement “Union County Choices,” a targeted jobs training program involving Union County College. Union County Choices is designed to provide a range of services targeted to middle skills and sector training. This program will give residents Choices focused on Union County’s priority economic development sectors. Courses would be in the priority fields of Healthcare/Allied Health, Transportations and logistics, and Retail/Hospitality. In the first instance, the County has worked with Union County College and the Community College Consortium to design four courses and two programs that should launch by February. The County is also developing an additional set of foundational courses covering basic—but valuable—elements related to health and safety.

• Continue the very successful “Union County Means Business” program by hosting an additional four forums. One of these forums will focus on the specific needs of women in business. The others will soon be determined through a survey which is currently underway. We also plan to host two industry specific roundtable discussions with assistance from New Jersey Talent Networks. These will be invitation only sessions with key business leaders in selected industries.

• Meet with municipal Library Directors to develop business friendly endeavors such as seminars for small businesses, and raise awareness about existing services for small business.

• Finally, the County will encourage businesses to go green to save green. This year, our Bureau of Recycling and Planning has received a grant that will enable it to conduct outreach to businesses on the benefits of recycling. The planned outreach will address not only what and how to recycle, but how recycling can actually save money.

• Several green initiatives: First, the County, through the Union County Improvement Authority, will explore a Community Energy Aggregation program designed to leverage the purchasing power of residents, business and governments to purchase low-cost electricity. If the program is implemented, Union County residents, businesses and governments could save as much as 15 percent on the electrical bills.

• Next, the County will take the lead in undertaking the development and implementation of a local government Energy Efficiency assistance program under the Energy Savings Improvement Program Law known as ESIP. The ESIP Law is an extremely valuable tool that allows local governments and boards of education to reduce energy consumption through the installation of energy efficient boilers, lights and HVAC equipment. It allows for financing these upgrades with the resulting operating budget savings generated by the newly installed equipment.

• In an attempt to raise awareness countywide, we will double-purpose the Public Information Van as the Union County Green Information Van. We will design a series of small cardstock flyers that link all of the sustainability-related programs in our departments and affiliates under one visual umbrella. At least one of those flyers will be designed as a shared service that our municipalities, businesses and other entities can use as a promotional tool in support of their green projects. The van will also receive one of the County’s first informational touch screen kiosks.

• Pursue a partnership with a local Domestic Violence Shelter for battered women, our County College and Vo-Tech to provide training programs enabling these women to enter or re-enter the workforce and become self-sustaining and independent.

“We need to unlock the inner potential of these women, and we as a society will be better for it,” Carter noted. “For as Maya Angelou, once said, “’there is no greater agony than bearing an untold story in you.’’