County of Union, New Jersey

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders honored members of the Park Elite Cheerleading group of Cranford for an outstanding and successful season during a recent Freeholder meeting in Elizabeth.

Pictured l. to r. Freeholders Bette Jane Kowalski (also a resident of Cranford) and Freeholder Chairman Mohamed S. Jalloh with members of Park Elite Cheerleading.

Photo by Lamar Mackson, County of Union

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce another job partnership with AirServ for 200 new full time positions, building on a relationship that has already resulted in significant new Union County hires for the company.

AirServ provides ground services at Newark-Liberty International Airport, including cargo, cleaning, transportation, passenger services, ramp handling and security. It is a unit of ABM, one of the largest facilities management companies in the U.S.

“These are the kind of solid positions that can help our residents build a better future for themselves and their families,” said Freeholder Chairman Mohamed S. Jalloh. “I’d like to thank AirServ and Union County College for forming this productive partnership with our One Stop Career Centers and the Workforce Investment Board, and working together to help strengthen the entire Union County community.”

Jalloh also noted that Martin C. Blake, Jr. Senior Vice President of AirServ “shared with us that ‘good Union County residents are securing good jobs,’ and ‘AirServ will support this initiative until every vacancy in the company is filled.’”

Union County’s One-Stop Career Centers match employers with job seekers, partly by pre-screening pools of qualified applicants. The pre-screening service saves local businesses time and expense in the hiring process.

Two earlier pre-screening partnerships between One-Stop and AirServ have resulted in just over 150 new job offers for Union County residents since last fall.

“Strong work skills build strong citizenship, and it is very gratifying to see that our stepped-up workforce development efforts are bearing fruit so quickly,” said Freeholder Sergio Granados, who is the liaison to the Workforce Investment Board (WIB). “We are not waiting for employers to ask us for help. We are training County residents in high-demand fields, and we are being proactive in matching them with local businesses. Now more than ever our residents need us and we are here for them.”

In this third round of hiring, AirServ asked WIB to provide a pool of 200 applicants qualified for passenger services and aircraft cleaning.

The process began with a job fair at the One-Stop Career Center in Elizabeth earlier this week. Those interested in applying will fill out their applications and undergo a background check with drug testing today and tomorrow at the Union County College campus in Elizabeth.

Next month, qualified applicants will begin a soft skills training course in preparation for employment, through the 40-hour Employability Skills Curriculum developed at Union County College.

The course is designed to help Union County residents enter the workforce with foundational skills that apply across a wide range of positions, including work ethics, time management, attention to detail, written and oral communication skills, teamwork, decision-making and problem solving.

In addition to savings during the hiring process, AirServ will also benefit from an “earn while you learn” on-the-job training program offered by the Union County Workforce Innovation Business Center.

The program provides a wage subsidy of up to 50% during the first six months on the job, to help defray the cost of training new employees. It is funded by the Freeholder Board through the Workforce Investment Board. 

Businesses looking for qualified job applicants in Union County can contact Antonio Rivera, Director of the Union County Workforce Investment Board, at 908-527-4195 or arivera@ucnj.org, or visit online at ucnj.org/wib.

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A major, multi-agency emergency response exercise and a new temporary approach ramp will affect travelers heading east from Union County to the Goethals Bridge starting this Sunday, May 3.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has passed along the following information:

1. Emergency Response Exercise (bridge will be fully closed for 8 hours):

A full-scale emergency drill at the Goethals Bridge on Sunday, May 3, 2015 will require the closure of the Bridge (both directions) from 1:00am until 9:00 am.  The exercise will kick-off at 4:00 am and end approximately three hours later.  The Bridge will reopen for drivers at 9:00 am. During the exercise and closure, motorists will be advised to use the Outerbridge Crossing or Bayonne Bridge.

2. New Temporary Approach Ramp (not expected to cause delays or affect traffic):

Beginning May 3, Goethals Bridge motorists traveling eastbound to Staten Island will be re-routed to a new temporary approach ramp as construction continues on the Goethals Bridge Replacement Project.

Motorists exiting the New Jersey Turnpike at Interchange 13 and motorists travelling on I-278 will be diverted on to this temporary ramp leading to the Staten-Island bound Goethals Bridge. Local traffic using the ramp at Cole Place, in Elizabeth, N.J., will be detoured westbound to I-278 and then follow a newly constructed U-turn connecting to I-278 eastbound and the new approach ramp.

Motorists are not expected to experience delays or any significant traffic impacts as a result of the new approach ramp. The temporary ramp and new traffic pattern for access to the New York-bound Goethals Bridge will permit significant construction to proceed on the Goethals Bridge Replacement Project. It will remain in place for approximately two years.

More details about the emergency drill and the new ramp are available at ucnj.org/goethals-bridge-project, or visit the Port Authority online at panynj.info.

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Union County’s Sensory Friendly Theatre series brings Cinderella – the enchanting fairy tale of everlasting love – to life on stage at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway on Sunday, May 3 at 2:00 p.m.

All tickets are $8 per person and can be purchased through the Union County Performing Arts Center at ucpac.org or by calling the Box Office at 732-499-8226.

“From adjustments to the production, accommodations in the theatre environment, and special training for the staff and volunteers, the sensory-friendly performance series is designed to offer a relaxed and safe theatre environment for children and adults with sensory sensitivity, developmental and learning disabilities,” said Freeholder Chairman Mohamed S. Jalloh. “The Freeholder board is proud to offer an opportunity for families of all abilities to experience one of New Jersey Ballet’s most popular ballets for families.

Directly from the pages of the enduring tale, Cinderella delights audiences with the beauty and majesty of classical ballet, wrapped in the promise of “happily ever after,” and generously sprinkled with a wonderful dose of humor. Complete with a fairy Godmother, a handsome prince, an unforgettable ball, and a pumpkin that turns into a carriage before your very eyes – the magnificent staging, music and costumes make this production a delight for all ages. This full two-act ballet is accompanied by original ”storyteller” narration so even the littlest ones can keep up with ease.

Implementing the supportive atmosphere at the performance is the organization Autism Friendly Spaces, which provides specialists to train staff and volunteers on working with children with autism and other special needs during Sensory Friendly Theatre performances, while providing comfort and help to families.

For each of the special performances in the Sensory Friendly Theatre series, the theatre environment at the Union County PAC will be adjusted to provide a sensory-friendly, comfortable and judgment-free space that is welcoming for all families. For more information on what to expect at a Sensory Friendly Theatre performance visit ucpac.org.

The Sensory Friendly Theatre series is presented by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. The performance of New Jersey Ballet’s Cinderella is made possible in part by funding from the NJ Department of Community Affairs through a Recreational Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities Grant.

The next performance in the Sensory Friendly Theatre series is a rollicking family concert featuring a two-time Grammy nominees Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could performing songs that celebrate children of all abilities on Sunday, July 31 at 10 AM and 1PM.

For more information or to purchase tickets call the Union County Performing Arts Center, 732-499-8226 or visit ucpac.org. The UCPAC Box Office, located at 1601 Irving Street, Rahway, NJ, is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 AM until 5:00 PM and is also open late on Thursdays until 8:00 PM.

For information on additional Union County recreational programs for people with disabilities age five and up, call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-527-4806 or visit ucnj.org.

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Union County, NJ – There is still time to register for the third annual Union County Women Mean Business summit on Wednesday May 13, 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. at the Clubhouse at Union County’s Galloping Hill Golf Course in Kenilworth.

Hundreds of participants attended the first two events in the series, which is designed to help women grow their business networks and build critical skills.

This year the Union County Women Mean Business summit includes a full day of workshops covering critical topics for success including leadership and public speaking, networking via social media, and negotiating. Kristina Hahn, head of packaged consumer goods at Google, will deliver the keynote speech.

The ticket price of $40.00 per person includes the full program, lunch, a networking cocktail hour (cash bar), and prize opportunities including round trip air fare.

To register online visit ucnj2.org/ucmb, or call 908-659-7412 if you have any questions about the event.

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Please join the County of Union online at ucnj.org, on Facebook at ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter at twitter.com/countyofunionnj.

ELIZABETH, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi has compiled a list of local businesses and organizations that are teaming-up with her in an effort to help veterans of the United States Armed Forces. The County Clerk’s Office will post the information on the Union County website listing all of the local stores, agencies and businesses that offer special discounts on products, food, entertainment and services for military veterans. Veterans must show either an Honorable Discharge ID card or other proof that they are a veteran at the time of purchase

“My office was one of the first in the state more than ten years ago to issue free Honorable Discharge identification cards for veterans as proof of service in the U.S. Armed Forces,” Ms. Rajoppi said. “The ID card program has assisted veterans in receiving educational benefits, death benefits, licenses, local property tax rebates and retail discounts intended just for them.”

“I’ve urged local businesses and service providers to send information to me about discounts they offer to veterans,” Rajoppi said. “I’m now making this information available on the Union County website to veterans groups and to individuals who come to my office seeking an Honorable Discharge ID card.”

The growing list of local businesses that offer discounts to veterans include home improvement stores and contractors, banks and financial consultants, medical professionals and fitness centers, restaurants, food markets and an automobile dealership.

“Veterans living in Union County can receive a free identification card by bringing their original discharge papers to the County Clerk’s Office in either Westfield or Elizabeth,” Rajoppi added. “This ID card service is just one way to say thank you and make veterans’ lives a little easier.”

As more retailers and service providers offer veteran discounts, their discounts will be added to the list. Businesses may provide their information to the Union County Clerk by accessing the Veterans Discount Form online at https://ucnj.org/county-clerk/veterans-discount-form/

The Veterans ID Card Act was signed into law in 2012. The card is available to veterans whose original Certificate of Honorable Discharge and/or DD-214 form are recorded at the Union County Clerk’s office. If a veteran’s discharge papers have never been recorded, the original documents must be presented at either one the Union County Clerk’s offices.

The County Clerk’s Office in Westfield, located in the Colleen Fraser Building at 300 North Avenue East, is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday; 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday; and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. The Clerk’s Office in Elizabeth, in the Union County Courthouse, 2 Broad Street, Room 114, is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. If additional information is needed, please call 908-659-7403.

NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders announces that its next mobile paper-shredding program for personal, confidential documents will be available on Saturday, May 9, at Alcatel/Lucent in New Providence.

“Union County’s mobile document-shredding service helps residents fight identity theft and eliminate clutter in their homes,” said Freeholder Chairman Mohamed S. Jalloh. “It is a cost-effective way to assist our recycling efforts and it ties in with Union County’s other Go Green Initiatives.”

The May 9^th shredding event will take place at the Alcatel-Lucent Technologies facility, located at 600 Mountain Avenue in New Providence. NEXCUT Shredding of Elizabeth will be shredding documents at the sites from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine. The shredding events will end before 1 p.m. if the shredding truck reaches capacity.

All Union County residents are eligible to use the paper-shredding service. In an effort to accommodate everyone, there is a limit of four, 10-pound bags or boxes per person. Documents should not be bound. Please remove plastic binders and paperclips. Paper that is wet/damp will not be accepted. Residents should continue to recycle non-confidential papers and magazines with their municipal recycling program.

Documents are put into 96-gallon containers provided by the shredding company. The items are then dumped onto a conveyor belt and shredded on site. Participants are welcome to view the shredding process via a closed-circuit television. The shredded documents are then recycled, shipped to paper mills and used as pulp. The next shredding event will be Saturday, May 16, on the Union County College campus in Cranford.

The mobile shredding program is paid for through New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Recycling Enhancement Act Grant Funds. For more information about future events or directions please call the Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889 or visit us online at www.ucnj.org/recycle .

UNION, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders will recognize local artists and present awards at a reception on Tuesday, May 5, at the 14^th Annual Exhibit and Contest for County of Union Employees and Their Families. The free reception and awards ceremony will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Elizabethtown Gas Company, located in the Liberty Hall Center, 1085 Morris Avenue in Union.

“This show offers a chance for our Union County employees and family members to shine,” said Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, liaison to the Union County Cultural and Heritage Programs Advisory Board. “The artwork that they do in their spare time is outstanding, and we are proud to display it in the beautiful atrium space of the Liberty Hall Center. We are grateful to Elizabethtown Gas for generously hosting the program and awards reception and to the National Arts Program Foundation for funding the prize awards.”

Presented in partnership with the National Arts Program®, the exhibit will be open weekdays until May 26, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“The Freeholders share the goal of the National Arts Program Foundation to reach as many people as possible of all ages, offering them a chance to show their creations,” said Freeholder Chairman Mohamed S. Jalloh. “We invite you to view this exhibit of exceptional artwork at the Liberty Hall Center.”

The art exhibit will be judged by three prominent artists: Laura Brown, Peter Lester and Joan Pamboukes.

Laura Brown is an artist and teacher living and working in Union County. After receiving a BFA from the School of Visual Arts in New York, she went on to get a Post-Baccalaureate certificate to teach Fine Arts. Laura has taught Fine Arts in public schools in New York and New Jersey and is currently teaching art classes to both children and adults. She is a member of the Arts Guild of New Jersey and the Contemporary Art Group and serves on the board of the Westfield Art Association. She also continues to study, paint and exhibit regularly.

Peter Lester attended the Camberwell School of Art and the Heatherly School of Fine Arts in London and the School of Visual Arts in New York. At the Children’s Television Workshop, he was a Digital Artist, Art Director and Director of Art and Animation. Peter’s artwork has been exhibited at the Dianna Burke Gallery in New York, Gallery Aferro and City Without Walls in Newark. Among his clients are: Hooked on Phonics, The Karsten Foundation, Scholastic, Byron Price, National Geographic, and Digital Tape and Ink. Peter also teaches Photoshop and Digital Media at The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey in Summit.

Joan Pamboukes received her BFA from Massachusetts College of Art and her MFA at New Jersey City University. Her photography has been exhibited in numerous exhibitions at venues such as the Jersey City Museum, The Brooklyn Brewery, Gallery Aferro and City Without Walls in Newark, Chashama UpTown and Hunter College Times Square Gallery in New York. Joan also teaches photography at Long Island University in Brooklyn, the County College of Morris and at the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey.

The National Arts Program® is in its 32^nd year with 82 annual programs reaching 450 cities in 38 states. The program was conceived by Leonard E.B. Andrews (1925 – 2009), an art collector, publisher, business executive and journalist, “for the encouragement and development of artistic expression.” The goal of the National Arts Program® is to provide an uninhibited opportunity for people to present their talent, at whatever level, in a free, public exhibition. The National Arts Program® is sponsored by The National Arts Program Foundation of Malvern, Pennsylvania. To learn more about the program, visit www.thenationalartsprogram.org.

Additional support for this event is provided by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.

For more information, contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth NJ 07202. Telephone (908) 558-2550 or e-mail: culturalinfo@ucnj.org. NJ relay users dial 711.