County of Union, New Jersey

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that Professor Anthony J. Broccoli, of the Rutgers Climate Institute and the Atmospheric Science Department at Rutgers University, will present a discussion about climate change on Thursday evening, October 9, from 7:15 to 8:15 p.m. at Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside. This program for adults, 18 and older, is free of charge.

“Climate change has grown in importance. We are faced with the challenges every day,” said Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak. “This program will help us understand the extent of those changes.”

New Jersey has experienced climate change during the past century and the changes have been more rapid in recent decades. The lecture will address the extent of the changes that have been recorded and the prospects for future changes. Professor Broccoli will discuss the evidence of changes in the climate as well as the directions in which New Jersey’s climate may be headed.

The Oct. 9 lecture kicks off a series of Fall Adult Programs at Trailside, featuring educational lectures and workshops for adults 18 and older. For additional information about adult programs or upcoming events at Trailside, call 908-789-3670 or visit www.ucnj.org/trailside. Trailside Nature and Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

 

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders recently honored Township of Union resident Sally M. Straus for being named as the township’s senior citizen of the year for her community activism and volunteerism.

l. to r.  Union County Freeholder Vernell Wright, Sally M. Straus of Union, Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak; Freeholder Vice Chairman Mohamed S. Jalloh, and Freeholder Angel G. Estrada.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders honored Telia Anderson, a Hillside resident and graduate of the Union County Vocational Technical Schools, for being announced as a recipient of the New Jersey Association of Counties’ (NJAC) Investor Bank Scholarship program.  The Freeholders gave Ms. Anderson a check for $500 and a certificate on behalf of NJAC. She will be studying Biology and attending Montclair State University this Fall.

l. to r. Union County Vocational Technical Schools Superintendent Peter Capodice, Union County Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak,  Telia Anderson of Hillside, Freeholders Vernell Wright, Alexander Mirabella and Bette Jane Kowalski.

A six-member delegation from the Social Security Department of the Ministry of Finance for the People’s Republic of China visited the County of Union to obtain an overview of its’ budget process.

After a brief introduction in the Freeholder’s Chamber room, the delegation met with Finance Director Bibi Taylor to discuss the budget. The Chinese Delegation is visiting the U.S. this month for the purpose of learning public budgeting and finance, especially as it pertains to social services programs. They will also be visiting New York City, Washington D.C. and Virginia to have similar discussions with Federal, Municipal and County agencies.

l. to r.  Social Security Senior Section  Member (PRC) Wang Hui, Social Security  Consultant (PRC)  Huang Yaodong, Social Security Senior Section Member (PRC) Wang Min, Union County Finance Director Bibi Taylor,  Social Security Ministry (PRC) Deputy Director General Song Qichao, Union County Manager Al Faella (making presentation of gift to the delegation., Social Security Director (PRC) Wang Wenjun, Social Security Senior Section  Member (PRC) Xiao Yi, and Union County Public Relations Director Sebastian D’Elia

WATCHUNG RESERVATION – American History lovers mark your calendars. On Sunday, October 19, as part of Union County’s Four Centuries In A Weekend celebration at The Deserted Village in the Watchung Reservation, visitors will have the opportunity to hear two noted authors speak about the rich history of the area.

“Four Centuries in a weekend offers everyone an opportunity to visit historic sites throughout our county and learn first-hand the role our area played in creation of this great country,” said Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak.

“We are fortunate to be able to present two guest speakers to discuss the events surrounding the War for Independence and the role Union County played in our nation’s history,” Hudak said.

At 2:00 p.m., Mark Di Ionno, a lifetime newspaperman and a 2013 Pulitzer Prize finalist in news commentary for his work on Hurricane Sandy, will speak at Masker’s Barn. Di Ionno will discuss the Revolutionary War in the Garden State, which was the topic of his last non-fiction book, and A Guide to New Jersey’s Revolutionary War Trail.

Di Ionno is a four time winner of the New Jersey Press Association’s first-place award for column writing. His columns appear regularly in The Star-Ledger, and its online partner, nj.com.

He is also the author of three award-winning nonfiction books that include New Jersey’s Coastal Heritage, and A Guide to New Jersey’s Revolutionary War Trail, which received the New Jersey Academic Alliance Award. His third book, Backroads, New Jersey was named among the most notable New Jersey books (1995-2005) by the New Jersey Center for the Book.

At 4:00 p.m., historian Robert Sullivan will discuss the strategic role the Watchung Mountains played in Gen. George Washington’s incursion against the British troops.

In his book, “My American Revolution,” Sullivan highlights the battles that took place in New York and New Jersey and parts of Pennsylvania in our country’s battle for freedom.

Visit the Deserted Village of Feltville/Glenside Park during 4 Centuries In A Weekend on Saturday, October 18 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sunday, October 19 from 12 p.m. until 5 p.m., free of charge. The day includes guided tours, Hay rides, apple cider pressing, old fashioned children’s games and refreshments on sale in the General Store.

For the first time, visitors will also be able to get to the event via mass transit.  While shuttle buses will be available in many communities along NJ Transit’s Raritan Valley Line, Union County Parks & Recreation is joining with Mountainside and Westfield to provide shuttle service from the Westfield train station to the Deserted Village, with stops at three historic sites along the way in the two communities.   The shuttle service will run during the hours of the two-day celebration.

For more information about 4 Centuries In A Weekend you can visit the Union County website atucnj.org.

In advance of the Jewish High Holidays, Acting Union County Sheriff Joseph Cryan urges members of the Jewish community, cultural institutions and synagogues across the county to take stock of the security measures.

There are no specific threats ahead of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur but security precautions are necessary.

“Now is a vital time to confirm that security measures are in place, to ensure the safety of congregants throughout the season and year-round,” Acting Sheriff Cryan said. “Always think security and stay vigilant.”

The Jewish community’s heightened visibility during this time is often tempting to perpetrators of anti-Semitic vandalism and harassment. Current crisis around the globe also increase the possible threat.

“After the recent conflict in Gaza and with the current dangerous situation with the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, a greater threat looms,” he added. “Islamic State terrorists recently released a video as a threat against America.”

“We always need to be conscious of the security needs of the Jewish community,” said the Acting Sheriff. “This is especially true around the High Holidays.”

Good security is about more than cameras, locks or fences. People need to be aware of their surroundings and what is going on around them. Solid security is also about good planning and building relationships with your local law enforcement agencies.

The Anti-Defamation League recommends security practices for the High Holidays for synagogues and Jewish communal institutions that include:

·         Advise local law enforcement of High Holy Day schedules and special events.

·         Ensure that ushers understand their critical role in security matters, and that they are familiar with suspicious activity indicators.

·         Establish procedures for controlling access to community facilities.

·         Encourage staff, leadership, and constituents to trust their instincts if they come across someone or something suspicious.

·         Review event publicity in light of security.

All law enforcement and community leaders should be aware of High Holy Day schedules and special events. This year Rosh Hashanah is September 25-26. Yom Kippur is October 4.

[via NJDOT]

Bridge to remain closed during construction

(Trenton) – New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials today announced overnight lane closures in the eastbound direction on heavily traveled Route 24 will begin tonight for priority repairs to the Hobart Avenue Bridge connecting Summit, Union County and Milburn, Essex County.

The bridge, which goes over Route 24, was struck by a tractor trailer carrying construction equipment on August 26, damaging three beams.  NJDOT evaluation crews assessed the structure and closed the Hobart Avenue Bridge to ensure the safety of motorists.

Overnight work with lane closures will begin tonight and continue until the project is completed, which is expected to be within the next two weeks.

Beginning at 8 p.m. tonight, Wednesday, September 17, 2014 through 5 a.m. Thursday, September 18, NJDOT and its contractors will close up to two eastbound lanes on Route 24 to repair the beams. The overpass is located about 1.5 miles east of Exit 7/CR 649 and the Short Hills Mall.

The work will take place Sundays through Thursdays from 8 p.m. until 5 a.m. the next morning, and Friday and Saturday nights from 8 p.m. until 7 a.m. the next morning. The repair is expected to be completed by early October. At least one eastbound Route 24 lane will be maintained during the overnight construction. The westbound lane will not be affected by the work.

The following detours have been in place for motorists wishing to cross the Hobart Avenue Bridge:

·         Motorists traveling westbound on Hobart Avenue are directed to Route 124 westbound/Morris Turnpike to Summit Avenue, which is the next bridge over Route 24, and then to Route 124 eastbound/Morris Turnpike to Hobart Avenue.

·         Motorists traveling eastbound on Hobart Avenue are directed to Route 124 eastbound to Route 24 eastbound to Exit 9B to Morris Avenue/CR 527 to Route 124 westbound to Hobart Avenue.

To ease congestion at the intersection of Summit Avenue and Route 124 westbound, NJDOT is making signal improvements that will include replacing the signal controller and cabinet, as well as four signal heads. A dedicated left turn arrow from Summit Avenue to Route 124 eastbound will be added to help clear traffic on the bridge more efficiently. These improvements will be permanent.

The process to repair the damaged beams under the bridge uses a specialized heat straightening technique. This will allow NJDOT to make a permanent repair more quickly than a traditional repair that often includes replacing beams, which is both more costly and time consuming.

Portable variable message signs are being utilized to provide advance notification to the motoring public of all traffic pattern changes associated with the work.

The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors.  Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website www.511nj.org for real-time travel information.

 

Union Country Freeholder Vice Chairman Mohamed Jalloh (R) and Freeholders Sergio Granados (L), Vernell Wright (C) and Bette Jane Kowalski (2^nd R) joined Store Manager Dominic Romeo, Lisa Housel (2^nd L) and Christine Wolfe of the Shoprite in Clark for the store’s annual “Help Bag Hunger” event. Cashiers collected donations for the Shoprite Partners in Caring Fund to help fill the shelves of local community food banks. For more information about the “Help Bag Hunger” campaign visit www.shoprite.com/feedthehungry/. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

 

In advance of the Jewish High Holidays, Acting Union County Sheriff Joseph Cryan urges members of the Jewish community, cultural institutions and synagogues across the county to take stock of the security measures.

There are no specific threats ahead of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur but security precautions are necessary.

“Now is a vital time to confirm that security measures are in place, to ensure the safety of congregants throughout the season and year-round,” Acting Sheriff Cryan said. “Always think security and stay vigilant.”

The Jewish community’s heightened visibility during this time is often tempting to perpetrators of anti-Semitic vandalism and harassment. Current crisis around the globe also increase the possible threat.

“After the recent conflict in Gaza and with the current dangerous situation with the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, a greater threat looms,” he added. “Islamic State terrorists recently released a video as a threat against America.”

“We always need to be conscious of the security needs of the Jewish community,” said the Acting Sheriff. “This is especially true around the High Holidays.”

Good security is about more than cameras, locks or fences. People need to be aware of their surroundings and what is going on around them. Solid security is also about good planning and building relationships with your local law enforcement agencies.

The Anti-Defamation League recommends security practices for the High Holidays for synagogues and Jewish communal institutions that include:

·         Advise local law enforcement of High Holy Day schedules and special events.

·         Ensure that ushers understand their critical role in security matters, and that they are familiar with suspicious activity indicators.

·         Establish procedures for controlling access to community facilities.

·         Encourage staff, leadership, and constituents to trust their instincts if they come across someone or something suspicious.

·         Review event publicity in light of security.

All law enforcement and community leaders should be aware of High Holy Day schedules and special events. This year Rosh Hashanah is September 25-26. Yom Kippur is October 4.